Canadian Grand Prix review

Grand Prix Preview

Canada 2014

This weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix is Formula 1’s first foray of the year to North America. It’s a popular event with fans and drivers alike because the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve usually throws up an exciting and unpredictable race, and the vibrant city of Montreal provides a colourful backdrop to the on-track activity.

Facts & Stats: Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve

The Circuit

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the first high-speed track of the 2014 campaign. The cars exceed 300km/h (186mph) on four occasions around the lap, but the corners are all relatively slow, and that places an emphasis on three key areas of performance: top speed, braking and traction. From a driving point of view, the 4.361km (2.710-mile) circuit is hard to tame because the walls are close and the apex kerbs high; the smallest error can result in a crash. The final corner in particular has claimed its share of superstars, and is known colloquially as “The Wall of Champions”. The Canadian Grand Prix’s association with Formula 1 dates back to 1967, the year that Montreal’s Ile Notre Dame was built in the St Lawrence River to host Expo ’67. The early F1 races were staged at Mosport, near Toronto, before the event found its permanent home in Montreal in 1978. The circuit has been updated several times, the most recent changes taking place in 2002 when the approach to the Hairpin (Turn 10) was shortened and the pitlane exit was lengthened. As a result of those changes, the number of race laps was increased from 69 to 70.

The Race

Harsh winters and hot summers take their toll on the circuit’s asphalt. Despite being re-surfaced only a few years ago, bumps and cracks are already appearing and cars have to be set-up accordingly. However, the track surface remains surprisingly smooth, which is why Pirelli are taking their Soft (Prime) and Supersoft (Option) tyre compounds to the race – the same as at Monaco a fortnight ago.

The Team

McLaren has an impressive record in Canada, having won the race 13 times. Among those victories is Jenson Button’s magnificent victory in 2011, when he drove from last to first and took the lead on the final lap of the race. Kevin Magnussen has never previously raced at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Vital Statistics

Canadian Grand Prix 6th - 8th MAY Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve

Race distance 70 laps (305.270km/189.700 miles) Start time 14:00 (local)/18:00 (GMT) Circuit length 4.361km/2.710 miles 2013 winner Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9) 70 laps in 1hr32m09.143s (198.759km/h) 2013 pole Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9) 1m25.425s (183.782km/h) Lap record Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari F2004) 1m13.622s (213.246km/h) First race 1978 What makes it special: High top speeds, lots of overtaking places and plenty to do in the evenings Wins from pole 15 Track abrasiveness Low. Pirelli are taking their two softest tyre compounds to the race Pirelli tyre choice Supersoft (Option)/Soft (Prime) 2013 winning strategy Two stops Fuel consumption High. Nearly 70 per cent of the lap is spent on full throttle, with lots of hard acceleration from slow-speed corners Brakewear High. There are seven major braking areas around the lap, with the heaviest deceleration peaking at 5.5g into the final chicane. Brake wear and temperatures have to be carefully monitored Weather Montreal’s coastal location can throw up all types of weather in June. Last year there was rain in qualifying and sunshine during the race, and the teams should be prepared for anything this weekend DRS zones Two – along the start-finish straight and on the approach to the final corner Turbo effect High, due to lots of acceleration from slow speeds Safety Car likelihood High. Ten of the last 15 Canadian Grands Prix have been interrupted by the Safety Car, with nearly half of the race in 2011 spent behind it Grid advantage The racing line is on the right-hand-side: if it’s been a rain-free weekend and rubber has built up from practice and qualifying, then it holds a slight advantage at the start Pitlane time 21s

McLaren at the Canadian Grand Prix

Wins 13 (1968, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012) Poles 11 (1972, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2007, 2008, 2010) Fastest laps 11 (1971, 1981, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011)