TOMORROW'S French Grand Prix at Magny Cours marks the start of the real heart of the 1997 World championship with eight European races, one per fortnight, for the next four months. The French race comes at a critical time for Jordan in a bid for an optimum engine deal for 1998 and for Eddie Irvine, fighting to retain his seat at Ferrari.
Yesterday's first practice session saw Jordan running strongly with Giancarlo Fisichella second and Ralf Schumacher fourth but Irvine has a real battle on his hands after finishing the afternoon session in 20th place while his teammate, Michael Schumacher, was fastest of all.
Over a thousand Irish fans have travelled to the Loire Valley race circuit to cheer on the Jordan drivers and Irvine. The Jordan camp is on a high and exudes confidence and believe that a win is coming while Irvine wrestles with a crisis of confidence.
Eddie Jordan discussed his team's prospects yesterday: "This will be an important race. It's France - the home of Peuegot and Total - and we want the translate the speed we have shown into a win.
"Just looking at the practice sessions, we were first and second for a long time. I know Friday doesn't mean too much the Williams for sure will be higher in qualifying - but I believe we will be strong in the race."
Fisichella is upbeat after his podium in Canada: "I love Magny Cours. It suits my driving style. It is a medium grip circuit but very smooth. The weather will play a big part in qualifying."
Ralf Schumacher has yet so show that he is taking on board that to finish first you have to first finish. He is anxious to make amends for what transpired to be a driving error in Canada: "I'm looking forward to the race. The forecast is for rain and that could be good for us."
While Jordan personnel stroll around the paddock as men about to succeed, Eddie Irvine is left in the Ferrari motor home scratching his head about his poor qualifying: "I just don't know what's wrong. I was always able to qualify well at Jordan but since I've come to Ferrari it's been a problem. I've discussed it with Ross (Brawn, the engineer) and maybe I'm just trying too hard. We are making front suspension changes and we'll see if that will help."
Irvine is racing well but is under pressure: "The Italian media are unbelievable. After the three podiums, I was the best teammate for Michael. After two bad races they talk all the time about replacements. There is a lot of pressure, but I am just going to get on with the job as best I can. Ferrari have an option on me for next year. They will have to decide on it in two weeks," said Irvine who has ordered a Falcon jet to ease the travelling stress of a Fl star.
Today's qualifying session will be vital for the Ulsterman who is still fourth in the World Championship table. Tomorrow's race, if the rain holds off, should be a strong indicator of how the mid season races will go - and whether Jordan and Irvine can upset the Williams and Schumacher dominance of the season so far.
