2006 French Grand Prix
| Race details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race 11 of 18 in the 2006 Formula One season | ||
 The Nevers Circuit modified in 2003 |
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| Date | July 16, 2006 | |
| Official name | XCII Grand Prix de France | |
| Location | Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Magny-Cours, France | |
| Course | Permanent racing facility 4.411 km (2.74 mi) |
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| Distance | 70 laps, 308.77 km (191.8 mi) | |
| Weather | Sunny, warm | |
| Pole position | ||
| Driver |  Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari |
| Time | 1:15.493 | |
| Fastest lap | ||
| Driver | Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari |
| Time | 1:17.111 on lap 46 | |
| Podium | ||
| First | Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari |
| Second |  Fernando Alonso |
Renault |
| Third |  Felipe Massa |
Ferrari |
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The 2006 French Grand Prix was the eleventh race of the 2006 Formula One season. It was held on July 14 – July 16, 2006 at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. This race was a scene of yet another record breaking milestone for Michael Schumacher, who became the first driver in F1 history to win the same Grand Prix on eight different occasions (having previously won the French Grand Prix in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2004). Schumacher also achieved his 22nd career hat trick (pole position, win & fastest lap at the same race), also a record.
Contents |
[edit] Friday drivers
The bottom 6 teams in the 2005 Constructors' Championship and Super Aguri were entitled to run a third car in free practice on Friday. These drivers drove on Friday but did not compete in qualifying or the race.
[edit] Qualifying results
From [1]:
| Pos | Nat | Name | Constructor | Part 3 | Part 2 | Part 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |
Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | 1:15.493 | 1:15.111 | 1:15.865 |
| 2 | |
Felipe Massa | Ferrari | 1:15.510 | 1:15.679 | 1:16.277 |
| 3 | |
Fernando Alonso | Renault | 1:15.785 | 1:15.706 | 1:16.328 |
| 4 |  |
Jarno Trulli | Toyota | 1:16.036 | 1:15.776 | 1:15.550 |
| 5 | |
Ralf Schumacher | Toyota | 1:16.091 | 1:15.625 | 1:15.949 |
| 6 |  |
Kimi Räikkönen | McLaren-Mercedes | 1:16.281 | 1:15.742 | 1:16.154 |
| 7 | |
Giancarlo Fisichella | Renault | 1:16.345 | 1:15.901 | 1:16.825 |
| 8 | |
Pedro de la Rosa | McLaren-Mercedes | 1:16.632 | 1:15.902 | 1:16.679 |
| 9 | |
Nico Rosberg | Williams-Cosworth | 1:18.272 | 1:15.926 | 1:16.534 |
| 10 |  |
David Coulthard | Red Bull-Ferrari | 1:18.663 | 1:15.974 | 1:16.350 |
| 11 |  |
Mark Webber | Williams-Cosworth | 1:16.129 | 1:16.531 | |
| 12 | |
Nick Heidfeld | BMW Sauber | 1:16.294 | 1:16.686 | |
| 13 |  |
Christian Klien | Red Bull-Ferrari | 1:16.433 | 1:16.921 | |
| 14 | |
Rubens Barrichello | Honda | 1:17.027 | 1:17.022 | |
| 15 |  |
Scott Speed | Toro Rosso-Cosworth | 1:17.063 | 1:17.117 | |
| 16 |  |
Christijan Albers | MF1-Toyota | 1:17.105 | 1:16.962 | |
| 17 | |
Vitantonio Liuzzi | Toro Rosso-Cosworth | 1:17.164 | ||
| 18 |  |
Jacques Villeneuve | BMW Sauber | 1:17.304 | ||
| 19 | |
Jenson Button | Honda | 1:17.495 | ||
| 20 |  |
Tiago Monteiro | MF1-Toyota | 1:17.589 | ||
| 21 |  |
Franck Montagny | Super Aguri-Honda | 1:18.637 | ||
| 22 |  |
Takuma Sato | Super Aguri-Honda | 1:18.845 |
[edit] Pre-race paddock talk
 |
This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009) |
Since the announcement and abrupt departure of Juan Pablo Montoya from Formula 1 to NASCAR, talks about the success of Juan Pablo in NASCAR circulated around the paddock. As broadcasted on SpeedTV’s Formula 1 coverage, current F1 driver’s expressions regarding the Colombian’s sudden departure seemed rather mixed. Fernando Alonso, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Jarno Trulli expressed happiness and suggested possible early success in the new sport. Honda and Williams team engineers wished him the same but also pointed out that considering the different nature of NASCAR from Formula 1 in both crowd and technology, it will require time and effort before earning popularity and success in the new sport. Michael Schumacher and Bernie Ecclestone did not give much thought to the subject as they both stated “Not a clue” when asked about the Montoya’s future NASCAR success. On the other hand, David Coulthard and Christian Klien had some more interesting responses. Both Red Bull drivers poked fun at Montoya’s liking for junk food viz., McDonald’s and being unfit for current day Formula 1. Coulthard said that Montoya is 30 and already big, who knows what he’ll be when he is 40. After clarification by Peter Windsor, it turns out Coulthard was talking about Juan Pablo’s weight and not his current success and popularity. Klien also said that since Montoya loves to eat, there are plenty of McDonald’s in the United States. McLaren boss Ron Dennis expressed disgust about the Montoya subject since he blatantly walked away after saying “I’m into Formula One races!” when asked about Montoya’s NASCAR future.
[edit] Race results
From [2]:
[edit] Standings after the race
Note, only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.
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[edit] References
- ^ Domenjoz, Luc et al.. Formula One Yearbook 2006-2007. Chronosports S.A.. p. 152. ISBN 2-84707-110-5.
- ^ a b c Domenjoz, Luc et al.. Formula One Yearbook 2006-2007. Chronosports S.A.. p. 155. ISBN 2-84707-110-5.
[edit] External links
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FIA Formula One World Championship 2006 season |
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French Grand Prix | Next race: 2007 French Grand Prix |
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