Rain forecast for Le Mans - OJ favourite?

Kawasaki replacement rider Olivier Jacque's hopes of repeating his magical second place finish at the soaking wet Chinese Grand Prix have been boosted by the news that this weekend's French Grand Prix - OJ's home race - is almost certain to see rain on all three days.

Jacque had qualified just 15th in the dry at Shanghai, but race day rain helped the former 250cc world champion carve through the field to finish just 1.7secs behind race winner Valentino Rossi in the biggest shock of the season so far.

The combination of having one GP on the ZX-RR under his belt, a thorough knowledge of the Le Mans layout - and now rain - might just mean that Jacque is the favourite for what would be a dream first MotoGP victory in Sunday's race.

The day-by-day weather predictions for the Le Mans weekend, as provided by Crash.net's weather guru Martin Chuter CNS, can be seen below:

Friday:

Low pressure sitting in the Bay of Biscay, throwing a series of weather fronts up and across the region this weekend, the first of which will greet the region today. A pulse of rain will have crossed the area during the early hours, leaving a damp, even wet track in the morning.

Things should begin to dry out a little, before the next batch of moderate to heavy rain arrives later in the afternoon. As you would expect, mostly cloudy conditions. Although a brief interlude of brightness between the two rain bands. Windy. Temperatures peaking at 17C/63F. 100% Risk of precipitation.

Saturday:

Similar to yesterday, we see a pulse of moderate to heavy rain, with embedded thunderstorm activity move up and across the region during the hours surrounding dawn. A very wet start to the day as a result. The main band of rain should clear to showery activity.

Widespread showers cropping up during the afternoon, once again, some of these moderate to heavy, giving local downpours. Very poor conditions. Windy, with top temperatures of 18C/64F. 90% Risk of precipitation.

Sunday:

We begin the day dry and bright, with limited spells of brightness. It won't be long before cloudy skies dominate. Another band of rain sweeping in to the region around midday, early afternoon.

Moderate and quite persistent, it could last for several hours in the afternoon. Another wet race on the cards, very likely. Windy. Temperatures peaking at 17C/63F. 80% Risk of precipitation.