The Formula 1 fraternity departs for North America this week for the Canadian and United States double header, which kicks off with the Montreal round of the Championship next Sunday.
Following the opening five races of the season, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes leads the Constructors’ World Championship with 76 points. Fernando Alonso and teammate Lewis Hamilton lie in first and second positions of the Drivers’ standing respectively, both with 38 points.
Four Fast Facts
What is the main characteristic of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve?
The track, which was named in the memory of the French-Canadian driver, comprises a number of very high speed straights punctuated by slow corners and hairpins, with the drivers braking hard from top speeds of up to 315km/h. The slowest corner is the L’Epingle hairpin, which is taken at 55km/h. To avoid losing time on the straights, this characteristic means that the cars need to have excellent corner balance to allow the drivers to get on the power as they are exiting the corners. The nature of the track also sees the greatest demands with regards braking. Canada-specific brake packages are run, including an increased cooling capability and in addition the set-up of the car has to ensure excellent braking stability. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes spent time at the recent Paul Ricard test evaluating this area with Pedro de la Rosa at the wheel of the MP4-22. Finally, the location of the track can lead to significant head and tail winds, which have an effect on the performance of the cars.
How does the nature of the circuit affect Bridgestone Potenza tyre choice?
The track has relatively low grip levels and as a result, softer compound tyres tend to deliver the best performance as they provide the grip required. The surface is not massively abrasive, so it does not affect the performance greatly. The track is not a permanent racing circuit, and as a result it gets grippier during the weekend as more rubber is laid down.
What levels of downforce are used in Montreal?
At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a low-medium downforce configuration is used. This is to ensure the cars can be as fast as possible on the long main straight. The low downforce and low grip conditions means that cornering is more of a challenge, and even though the turns are all largely low speed, it is still necessary to be very precise. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will also run a Montreal-specific aerodynamic package for the race in order to optimise performance.
When did the freight and the team depart for Canada?
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes sea freight departed the UK for Canada in the week prior to the Spanish Grand Prix. The contents will cover both the Canadian and United States Grands Prix. It is scheduled to arrive on Friday 1st June. Air freight will leave the McLaren Technology Centre on Saturday 2nd June, arriving in Montreal on Sunday 3rd / Monday 4th.
| 
|