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Formula One: Stewart-Ford Racing News

23 June 1999

STEWART-FORD NOTES & QUOTES
French Grand Prix: Preview

The team is in buoyant mood after the positive results of 
three days of testing at Magny Cours last week. Both drivers 
worked through a programme which included set-up evaluation 
and tyre comparisons in preparation for this weekend's race. 
Both recorded competitive lap times putting them in the top 
six on the time sheets. The SF3 ran at an impressive pace 
in race-style simulations runs.

RUBENS BARRICHELLO  Car No.16 (SF3-04)
What are your objectives for the weekend?
'I'm hoping for a longer race in France than I had in Montreal! 
My aim is to keep up my average or better in qualifying. 
Obviously we have proven that we are competitive but we 
haven't come away with as many points as we should have done. 
I'm keen to mix it with the Ferraris and McLarens again in the 
race. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be challenging 
for the podium if we run a reliable race.'
What makes the circuit challenging from a driver's perspective?
'Tyres are a big issue at Magny Cours. As a driver you are 
conscious of looking after tyres in a race by not throwing 
the car around too much. Because of the mix of high speed 
corners and chicanes the car changes direction quite a lot 
so you are always busy in the cockpit. Staying smooth and 
getting the balance of the car right for the circuit layout 
are the keys to a quick lap.'

JOHNNY HERBERT  Car No.17 (SF3-05)
What has your fifth place in Canada done for your confidence? 
'It's relaxed me quite a bit because I was frustrated at not 
finishing a race. Getting two points under my belt has given 
me the confidence to attack qualifying in a positive frame of 
mind. I'll definitely be aiming to add to my points tally this 
weekend.'
Is Magny Cours a circuit which is hard to tame?
'Looking at my record I would say yes. I've only had one point 
in seven races there so I'm desperate to put that right. The 
results have never 

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