Canadian GP Thread - Spoilers of Qualifying & Race - Sponsored by the Word ABOOT

[Fernando]

First topic message reminder :

After two Europe-based races in Spain and Monaco, F1 travels across the Atlantic this week for one of the most popular races on the calendar: the Canadian GP.

A demanding high-speed circuit lined by punishing barriers but offering a multitude of overtaking opportunities, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is an established favourite with fans and drivers alike.

The race itself, frequently wet and wild, also has a reputation for delivering an exciting spectacle. The 2011 Canadian GP, a four-hour epic eventually won by Jenson Button, is widely regarded to have been the finest race in the modern era.

Track: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Race start time: 7pm UK Time (2pm local).

Laps: 70.

Track length: 4.361 km.

Tyre allocation: Soft (yellow) and Supersoft (red).

2013 pole: Sebastian Vettel - 1:25.425 (Red Bull).

Twelve months ago, Sebastian Vettel was in imperious form as he defeated Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton by fifteen seconds to extend his lead of the World Championship and register Red Bull's first ever triumph at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

But that was then. 2014 has witnessed a clean sweep of Mercedes victories and the Silver Arrows' winning streak is expected to continue this weekend at a circuit which should play to the strengths of the W05 and its superior power unit.

Lewis Hamilton is considered something of a Canada specialist, claiming his maiden win in F1 at Montreal in 2007, another in 2010, and triumphing there again in a thriller two years ago ahead of Romain Grosjean and Sergio Perez. "He will probably be untouchable in Canada," predicted Hamilton's former McLaren team-mate Jenson Button last week.

2013 result: 1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 2. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari); 3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 4. Mark Webber (Red Bull); 5. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes); 6. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso); 7. Paul di Resta (Force India); 8. Felipe Massa (Ferrari); 9. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus); 10. Adrian Sutil (Force India).

Last five winners in Canada: 2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 2012: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren); 2011: Jenson Button (McLaren); 2010: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren); 2008: Robert Kubica (BMW-Sauber).

[Guest]

If they manage to sort out their power issues, they could start threatening Mercedes' championship dominance.

Desperately bad luck for Hamilton again...was it brake failure this time, just the engine, or a combination of both that forced his retirement?

Ferrari's woes appear to be continuing, with no light at the end of an ever-lengthening tunnel for either Alonso or Raikkonen. Looks like this season will be a write-off and they'll just have to hope for better things next year.

If the much anticipated engine update in Austria brings no real reduction in the deficit to Mercedes, then I would imagine RB would begin to transition towards 2015. They will do enough to hold onto second in the constructors though.

It was brake failure, as a result of ERS failure. The ERS contributes in braking the car this year & that has meant smaller rear brake discs to save weight, so when the ERS failed, along with the high pressure braking zones & continued exposure to hot, dirty air behind Rosberg - it essentially was too much to handle & ultimately failed. Rosberg had clean air for the whole race, therefore his brakes were in better condition.

Yeah, I don't think this race told Ferrari anything they didn't know. This year promised so much but it's a write-off & they know it. It's a shame watching Alonso in the mid-pack & completely anonymous in races, while everyone's attention is up front. Kimi looks dis-interested again, reminiscent of his time prior to his last exit from F1 & he hates this brake-by-wire system. Wonder if he'll have the motivation to continue?

[GSC]

With the current state of F1 development, planning for next season and this are pretty much the same

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