McLaren optimistic for Magny-Cours

By Julie Gates/motorsport.com

The West McLaren Mercedes team currently trails Ferrari in both championships, but is confident of a maximum points finish at next weekend's French Grand Prix.

In a statement issued by the team, Mika Hakkinen comments on the race and explains there are good overtaking opportunities on the circuit. DC comments on his recent testing session at the French track, stating that he did well and that he feels confident for the race. Ron Dennis, meanwhile, says they aim to leave France with maximum points and nothing less.

MIKA HAKKINEN
'Magny Cours is a circuit we know well. It has a mix of low-speed hairpins, medium speed corners and fast chicanes and there are good overtaking opportunities particularly into the Adelaide hairpin.'

DAVID COULTHARD
'We tested at Magny Cours after the Canadian Grand Prix and went through a lot of work. I ended up fastest on both my days in the car so things are looking promising for the race.'

RON DENNIS
'With nine races still to go there are still plenty of points left. We will maintain our focus and aim to leave France with maximum points.'

The team has won three of the season's races so far, with Coulthard winning the British and Monaco Grands Prix and need a 1-2 next weekend to assure a chance to take the title fight down to the wire.