Posted on 10th June 2016
As we head to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend for the seventh race of the 2016 season, the new P Zero Purple ultrasoft tyre in Monaco, it appears again as part of exactly the same nomination for Canada: soft, supersoft and ultrasoft.
In contrast to Monaco, Canada however will present a number of different challenges to Monaco, with notably higher speeds and higher loads that generate more temperature and put increased energy through the tyres.
Like Monaco, Canada is a low-grip circuit with a high degree of weekend track evolution. But the cars reach speeds in excess of 300kph, meaning that they tend to run low downforce. But Montreal is a semi-permanent facility, so track surfaces (and grip) can vary during the lap.
The track is also famous for high kerbs, which provide the tyre structure with a big challenge. The hallmarks of Canada are acceleration and braking: longitudinal rather than lateral forces.
The compounds that Pirelli have nominated mean that there is plenty of scope for strategy, on a circuit where it's definitely possible to overtake on the track as well.
Weather conditions are variable: a factor that has led to a number of safety cars in the past and this could make it a very complex race as has often been the case in the past. This could lead to a number of different tactics coming into play, as evidenced from the tyre choices made by each team prior to the race.
Here's my facts and figures as well as my predictions heading into the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend-
Facts and Figures
•Montreal has hosted the Grand Prix in Canada since 1961, even though the first Formula One race was in 1967.
•Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver to win the Grand Prix with seven wins.
•Lewis Hamilton is the most successful current driver with four wins.
•McLaren and Ferrari are the most successful constructors to win the Grand Prix with thirteen wins each.
•Race distance: 305.27km (189.69 miles)
•Number of turns:14
•Top speed: 315kph
•Lap record: Rubens Barrichello- Ferrari (2004)- 1.13.622
Winners from last 5 Canadian Grand Prix
•2011-Jenson Button
•2012-Lewis Hamilton
•2013-Sebastian Vettel
•2014- Daniel Ricciardo
•2015- Lewis Hamilton
My five things to look out for this weekend:-
1.Tyre performance-With Pirelli bringing their ultra-soft tyres for this weekend after their debut in Monaco two weeks ago, all eyes will be upon Pirelli to see if the tyres will spice up the action in Montreal this weekend. But it will be interesting to see how that affects tyre usage and strategy during the race. Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?
2.Safety Cars- With the demands of the Montreal circuit, there is no room for mistakes or errors especially at the Wall of Champions. And if that does happen, the Safety Car will be brought out onto the circuit. But will we see the return of the Safety Car in Montreal this year?
3.Performance of Ferrari- With Ferrari at the moment being Mercedes' closest competitor at the moment, all eyes will be upon Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen this weekend to see if they can translate their form they have shown so far this season. Question is; can they win this weekend and take the fight to Mercedes?
4.Performance of the Mercedes team- With Mercedes being the firm favourites heading into the race this weekend, all eyes will be upon them to see if they will still be as competitive as they were last season. But with Ferrari showing good performance and pace in the first few races, has their advantage and stranglehold on the sport been broken?
5.Performance of Daniel Ricciardo- With what happened to Ricciardo in Monaco two weeks ago, he will be eager to repeat where he got his maiden win in F1 two years ago and show that his performances in the last few races were no fluke. Will this weekend be the lucky weekend that Ricciardo needs?
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and Channel Four also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
•*Sky Sports F1*:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 2.45pm and 6.45pm, [Replays throughout Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 2.45pm and 5.00pm, [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 5.30pm
•*Channel Four*- Saturday (Qualifying Highlights ) 10pm and 5.00pm, Sunday (Race highlights) 10.40pm
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
Circuit “lines” by www.grahamandleigh.co.uk
