Wayne Gardner arrived at the French GP with a healthy lead. Former champion Freddie Spencer was still absent and Eddie Lawson and Marlboro Yamaha team mate Rob McElnea were looking forward to more engine power being provided for Le Mans. Lucky Strike Yamaha teamsters Randy Mamola and Richard Scott were going well and other British stars were getting cracking too. Ron Haslam (Honda) seemed better that ever this season, Niall Mackenzie (Honda) was getting more sure of himself and Roger Burnett was settling to the bluster of grand prix. But the crowd's support would undoubtedly be behind countryman Christian Sarron...