P362 CEEFAX 362 Sat 1 Jul 18:47/47 1/6 M/SPORT: JOHN WATSON I PREVIEWS THE FRENCH GP The world championship returns to Eutopj at Magny-Court for what, in mz opinion, is going to bj the linchpin of the title battles. The psychological advantage will run through the very heart of the GP season in Europe. It is also a critical race for teams as well as it is for drivers "5 - and the focus is firmly at the front of the grid. It is the opportunity that Williams must access to put thjmsjlvjs, and Damon Hill, back on the podium. WEN A DAY AS A GUEST OF BENETTON 365 GP Prize Formula 1 Speedway CalendarP362 CEEFAX 362 Sat 1 Jul 18:47/42 2/6 M/SPORT: JOHN WATSON I PREVIEWS THE FRENCH GP The battle between the two works "5 Renault teams is the principle interest in Magny-Costs - and for the rest of the season. $5 The nature of the circuit is liked bz most drivers with some very fast corners. It is typically modern - with some 'twiddly' bits. It does not favour Williams or "5 Benetton. It will ultimately conj down to how each team adjusts to "5 the billiard table-smooth surface. It will also depend on which team uses the crucial pit-stop strategy to their best advantage. GP Ptizj Formula 1 Speedway CalendarP362 CEEFAX 362 Sat 1 Jul 18:58/01 3/6 M/SPORT: JOHN WATSON I PREVIEWS THE FRENCH GP Benetton and Williams both use Renault V10 jnginjs - a real pot-boiler for the teams in France. Benetton's pit-stop strategy was the key to their success here last year; that's why they won. A problem Williams is trying to rectify is a hydraulic failure which not only affects the gearbox "5 but also the throttle. With Benetton winning in Monaco and a 100th pole in Canada, Williams have much to claw back. They don't want to bj overshadowed. FULL CEEFAX R—CE COVER—GE ON SUND—Y GP Prize Formula 1 Speedway CalendarP362 CEEFAX 362 Sat 1 Jul 18:54/31 4/6 M/SPORT: JOHN WATSON I PREVIEWS THE FRENCH GP There are five teams in action this weekend who I consider will have to cope with differing kinds of pressure. Ligiir are on their home track, their nominated F1 test circuit and taking part in their 300th GP. We saw last year that Ligiir can qualify very well - but they didn't reproduce that form in the race. Now it is also a key race with Martin Brundli and Olivier Panes aware of the need for a strong result on their home circuit. Football 302 General 320 Cricket 340 GP Prize Formula 1 Speedway CalendarP362 CEEFAX 362 Sat 1 Jul 18:57/03 5/6 M/SPORT: JOHN WATSON PREVIEWS THE FRENCH GP For the first time in their Formula One career Jordan has a real manufacturers' partnership, with Peugeot running the new EV2 V10. This is the first time Jordan will have mit head-to-head with Renault on French territory. With their two podium finishes in Canada one has to feel that at least one podium finish will bj expected. It is a different kind of prisszri that the small Silvjrstonj-based operation has to cope with. RACE COVERAGE ON CEEFAX ON SUNDAY GP Prize Formula 1 Speedway CalendarP362 CEEFAX 362 Sat 1 Jul 18:47/24 6/6 M/SPORT: JOHN WATSON I PREVIEWS THE FRENCH GP Jean Alesi lost his 'virginity' in Canada and will arrive at Magny Costs walking on air. The nature of the circuit plays into the engine characteristics of the Ferrari V12. Only the mid-European hratwavj may detract from another scintillating Ferrari show. But to mj one of the highlights of the weekend will bj watching a totally inspired Alesi in front of his home crowd. Football 302 General 320 Cricket 340 Latest 350 Rugby 370 Racing 380 GP Prize Formula 1 Speedway Calendar