Tom Wilkinson's Track Talk (Montreal)

The Facts:
Lap: 4.361 km
Race Laps: 70
Lap Record: 1:13.622
R Barrichello (2004)

2012 Winner: Lewis Hamilton

Race Date: 09.06.2013

Safety Car – Possible

Race Day Weather – Sunny Intervals

Tyre Allocation – SuperSoft & Medium

DRS Zones: Pit straight and backstraight.

The Circuit.
The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a classic track in the F1 calendar, which has hosted the Canadian Grand Prix since 1978. Located on the Ile Notre-Dame, it's a tight and narrow circuit, but incredibly fast. With 2 long straights, speeds can reach 200mph in the modern day Formula 1 cars. Challenging and technical with plenty of risk, the walls are so close around the track, one small error can end a race instantly. Champion's wall is one of the most famous walls in F1, perhaps not the challenge it once was, but get too close and it can bite.

There may not be a Canadian driver in Formula 1 at the moment, but the people of Canada love F1 and this circuit is always packed out with dedicated fans. There's always an exciting race around this island circuit, overtaking is possible but the challenge really makes it a spectacle.

The king of the Canadian Grand Prix is Michael Schumacher having taken victory seven times. Lewis Hamilton won this race last season in the McLaren, but will he be able to repeat his success in the Mercedes?

It's a short break from Europe before heading to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. There could be some updates this weekend in Canada but it's more likely to be Silverstone where the major upgrades appear.

Speed is key around Montreal, downforce is low, and in fact this is the second lowest downforce circuit after Monza. We are in for another scintillating Canadian Grand Prix, here's everything you need to know.

Tom Wilkinson's Pre-race Pointers.
Once again tyres are the talk of the paddock, with both Mercedes and now Ferrari questioned over their tests this season. Most of this story is pure speculation at this time, with some people even suggesting that Pirelli will pull out of F1. Honestly it's something I'm not going to get into, I'd rather wait for facts than speculate.

Romain Grosjean is precariously holding onto his race seat after a number of crashes in Monaco. The Frenchman is better known for his mistakes recently, rather than his strong points. Unfortunately I think another run of mistakes like Monaco and his days as an F1 racing driver could well be numbered. He has great potential, he is a good driver but I think he lacks focus.

Mercedes had a fantastic Monaco Grand Prix with Nico Rosberg taking victory in dominant style. The race pace looked to have improved, although Monaco isn't a normal circuit. Will Mercedes be able to continue their run of form in Canada? Speed is key around here so I think Mercedes stand a good chance. Of course you can't discount Red Bull, Ferrari or even Lotus. It will be a fascinating race this weekend, with plenty of close battles.

GP2 is not in action this weekend but will return at the British Grand Prix. You can catch full coverage as always right here at Driving For Pleasure.

F1 Session Times (GMT)
Practice 1 – 15:00 Practice 2 – 19:00
Practice 3 – 15:00 Qualifying – 18:00
Race – 19:00

You can stay up to date with all the Formula 1 news by following me on Twitter @TomWilkinsonF1 #TWF1 where I'll be commentating Live throughout the weekend.

Driving For Pleasure is the place to be for full Formula 1 coverage during 2013 with all my F1 reports and race features, don't miss out on any of the action.

In the meantime enjoy the 2013 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.