The first of Season 4’s three back-to-back European events takes place in Saint-Tropez. From France’s new flight controller to light wind conditions, we round up five things to watch out for when racing gets underway this weekend.
Will Jason Saunders buoy France to a home victory?
The big news after Los Angeles was the flight controller transfer between France and Switzerland, with Jason Saunders taking over the role from Francois Morvan for Les Bleus. Can Saunders get up to speed quickly to deliver a podium finish for the home team? Or will limited training time in this new configuration result in a disappointing home event for Quentin Delapierre’s team?
Switzerland’s crew changes
Like France, Switzerland will be racing with a new flight controller for the first time in Saint-Tropez. Could this be the change Switzerland needs to move up the Championship leaderboard? Morvan will be joined on board the Swiss F50 alongside former Japan driver Nathan Outteridge, who returns in the role of sailing advisor/ strategist. Will these crew changes mark a shift in Switzerland’s performance?
Will Spain continue to perform?
After securing their first ever win in Los Angeles, all eyes will be on Diego Botin’s Spain in Saint-Tropez. Will the youngest team in the league - currently second on on the overall leaderboard - be able to repeat their triumph?
Light wind conditions
Light wind conditions are forecast in Saint-Tropez this weekend, meaning the F50s are likely to be fitted with the largest 29m wing and light air foils - there’s even a possibility of reduced crews. Which teams will overcome the tricky conditions to beat the fleet? And which teams will struggle amid the light airs?
Can the U.S. win again in Saint-Tropez?
Jimmy Spithill’s United States marked its first and only Season 3 win in Saint-Tropez last season, beating New Zealand and Emirates Great Britain in the Final. But since then, the team’s performance has lagged and the Americans haven’t come close to the podium again. Could Saint-Tropez host the team’s long awaited comeback?
