Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport, said in a press release: "Bridgestone has enjoyed some excellent results so far this season but the British Grand Prix was definitely a high point. To have our cars claim all but one of the points-scoring positions and to see all our teams forging ahead when the rain came made it a race to remember.

"In addition to Ferrari's latest one-two, I was especially pleased to see BAR claim their first points and in such convincing style. In spite of our recent run of encouraging results, after Silverstone we immediately turned our attention towards the French Grand Prix. We can expect conditions there to be nothing like Silverstone, but I hope the result is not too different, especially since it is our competitor's home track."

Considered a technical circuit, Magny-Cours consists of slow hairpins, medium-speed corners and fast chicanes. The surface is extremely smooth but the dark colour of the asphalt means it heats up quickly in sunshine. Hot weather is anticipated on race day - last year the track temperature peaked at 51°C.

Technical manager Hisao Suganuma added about the event: "The main feature of Magny-Cours as far as Bridgestone is concerned is rear tyre degradation. This comes as a result of high temperatures combined with the particular type of corners which demand good traction as drivers accelerate early, especially out of the slow hairpins.

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager of Bridgestone Motorsport, added: "Clearly, our main aim towards being competitive at Magny-Cours is to minimise rear tyre degradation and to find a high level of heat durability. We had a good result there last year and based on that we have developed even better tyres for this year's race.

"Our option tyre is likely to be the best choice in high temperatures since it will offer better consistency and balance; the primary specification will be more appropriate if it is cooler. If it rains the surface at Magny-Cours can become quite polished and slippery so we are taking wet-weather tyres that are suitable for all conditions."