Grid Crasher decodes pre-race quotes from the key drivers

Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
“I think that things will look really different at Magny-Cours, compared to the last GPs. The smooth surface of the French track, its demanding corners and the quick changes of direction will underline the characteristics of the F2008.It was here in France last year that my season practically started all over again; and this is what I need now, after the two races with no points. I like this track and I think that it’s perfect for our car. I think we’ll be competitive and that we can go for the maximum result.”
What he really means: “Not even Lewis is going to stop me winning this time.”

Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
“I hope we will be very competitive this weekend. I like Magny-Cours: I came second here last year, having started from pole, but then I lost a bit of time in traffic and I also came third in 2006. It’s a good track for me. Let’s hope we can repeat last year’s one-two finish, but maybe in a different order!”
What he really means: “I hope Ferrari lets me compete with Kimi on even ground.”

Robert Kubica (BMW)
“For many people Magny-Cours is a boring place, but I like the track quite a lot. This is the place where I came back last year after my accident. It’s an interesting track because it has all kinds of corners - high-speed, low-speed, high-speed chicanes, a hairpin and heavy braking. So I’m looking forward to the race and I hope that I can do as well as possible here, as I have done in most of the grands prix since the beginning of the season. I hope we will again have some improvements on the car that will help us to close the gap to Ferrari and McLaren.”
What he really means: “I cannot be stopped, even on boring circuits.”

Nick Heidfeld (BMW)
“I’m lucky enough to spend the GP weekend here each year in a small moated castle. There are only a handful of rooms, which don’t come with a TV, radio or other luxuries but do have three-metre-thick walls.“
What he really means: “My girlfriend and I can let rip without being heard.”

Fernando Alonso (Renault)
“It’s a circuit where the car must perform well in all parts in order to do a good lap time. There are some quick corners and direction changes, the brakes are important and you need good acceleration. The temperature is usually quite high, so you have to find a set-up that allows you to make the most of the tyres and optimise the general balance of the car. I don’t have any specific concerns and we will work on these different points in free practice on Friday.”
What he really means: “Blah blah blah, get me in a Ferrari already.”

Kazuki Nakajima (Williams)
“We showed good pace at the past two races in Monaco and Canada and we need to carry that with us to France and make up for the recent drought in points. As for the place itself, it’s really in the middle of nowhere and so a bit quiet, very different to Montreal, but I quite like that and am looking forward to getting there.”
What he really means: “Damn, those Canadians are mouthy.”

Timo Glock (Toyota)
“To me Magny-Cours isn’t a particularly special track; it’s okay and quite challenging but it’s by no means a favourite of mine.“
What he really means: “France sucks.”

Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India)
“Magny-Cours is actually one of the tracks I do not enjoy on the calendar. It’s the circuit where I had my biggest accident in Formula One, back in 2002 and I had to miss the race after crashing in practice so for sure I don’t have great memories of it. Also I don’t see any particular challenge with it. As you know though, in our job you have to accept the good and the bad.“
What he really means: “France really sucks.”

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
“Mentally, [the 10-place grid penalty] is just something that you learn to overcome quickly. It certainly won’t affect my preparations for the French Grand Prix. We’ve already looked at the best ways of optimising the strategy to help us move up the field and I guess I’ll just have to pass some cars if I want to get into the points! Magny-Cours isn’t the easiest place to overtake but it’s certainly possible.”
What he really means: “Get the hell out of my way, I’m coming through…”

Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren-Mercedes)
“I’ve always loved racing at this place. For a racing driver it’s a bit of a challenge as there are some very high-speed corners and a couple of fast chicanes - and you can’t just throw the car into them, it requires a lot of precision. They’re the sort of corners I really love. As I’ve been saying all season, I’m gradually getting to grips with this car even if the results haven’t backed it up. And I really enjoy Magny-Cours so I’m looking forward to making progress throughout practice and being in a very good position for the race itself.”
What he really means: “France sucks, but I’m too diplomatic to say it.”