Q+A with Pascal Vasselon

Panasonic Toyota Racing returns to Europe this weekend for the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours after the three-day test session at Barcelona. The team successfully tested aerodynamic modifications for this weekend's race. Pascal Vasselon gives us some technical insight in the upcoming race.

"I do like Magny-Cours - I have to do otherwise it seems not many people do! From my point of view, it's a really good place to race because it has an anti-stress environment. There are no distractions and no extra pressures; everything is about the racing."

"Personally, yes, I look forward to working somewhere with fewer distractions. Funnily enough, things seem to get done much quicker in Monaco and Montreal and the team are leaving a bit earlier than usual. That isn't the case in Magny-Cours - I don't know why! There is much more of a community feeling in the paddock there, which I really enjoy. Also, we are in a very French part of the season after French-speaking races in Monaco and Montreal so I have to say I appreciate that."

"Of course I am sad if Magny-Cours drops off the calendar, but I am especially sad because we don't know what is happening next. It wouldn't be so bad if we knew the race was going to Paris or wherever but at the moment it doesn't seem like there is a clear plan."

"Considering the French history in Formula 1 and the French passion for motorsport in general it would be very strange to have no French Grand Prix. But I'm sure the people concerned are doing everything they can to make sure the French Grand Prix has a future and I'm sure the situation will be resolved soon."

"Magny-Cours certainly doesn't attract the same kind of people as a race such as Monaco. Probably because Magny-Cours is so far away from any major city, you generally have fans attending who are true motorsport fans. They are not just people who want to be where there is some action; they really care about the sport. These guys are pure fans."

"We are back to an average track and one which doesn't massively stick out in terms of the working window of the different parameters on the car. There are no special issues and downforce will be medium-high. It is a high-grip track and it is not too bumpy so you can really maximise the suspension set-up for aerodynamic efficiency; the main concern there is to make sure you go well on a couple of kerbs."

"We aim to have continuous updates of the car throughout the season. There is nothing special for this race but we do have a couple of new bits to upgrade our baseline aerodynamic configuration."