Built on a man-made island, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve first hosted the Canadian Grand Prix in 1978 (where Gilles Villeneuve took the win). Known for its power-hungry long straights and sharp turns, the circuit is a favorite of drivers and fans alike. As an investment in the future of this race, an all new $44M pit facility will open this weekend, said to bring the garage capacity from 1,800 to 5,000 individuals.
In the V6 turbo era Canada has always been a tricky circuit for Honda who is still catching up on average power. 2019 could see those struggles diminish as the Honda-powered cars have been able to run at full power and post competitive trap speeds. Barring any mistakes by Ferrari, look for Red Bull to put up a strong fight for the final podium position but we cannot be surprised if the effort comes up one position short. While we shouldn’t expect Toro Rosso to be as strong as Haas, their car and drivers have been working well and should pick up points.
Elsewhere on the grid, conventional wisdom now says Mercedes has to be the favorite at all races; however, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one that could suit Ferrari’s package, but can the team execute? Haas will be favorite for best-of-the-rest this weekend. Don’t be surprised if a Racing Point enters the fray for this battle along with an Alfa Romeo. From there a Renault should try to get in on the action but may struggle here as they wait for an engine upgrade due in France. McLaren should be right there with Renault. Sadly, Williams will occupy their 'normal’ spots at the back of the grid.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Friday, June 7, 9:55 AM –
ESPNU
Practice 2 – Friday, June 7, 1:55 PM –
ESPNU
Practice 3 – Saturday, June 8, 10:55 AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, June 8, 1:55 PM –
ESPNEWS
Pit Lane Live – Saturday, June 9, 12:30 – ESPN3
Race – Sunday, June 9, 1:30 PM –
ABC
Race (re-air) – Sunday, June 9, 8:00 PM –
ESPNEWS
Race (re-air) – Sunday, June 10, 12:00AM – ESPN2
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 4.361km (2.71 miles)
Race laps: 70
Race distance: 305.27km (189.686 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’10.764 (Sebastian Vettel, 2018)
Maximum speed: 309kph (192.004 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and back straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 260m
Car performance
Full throttle: 59%
Longest flat-out section: 1190m
Downforce level: Medium
Fuel use per lap: 1.5kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.03s
Strategy
2019 tyre choices: Hard (C3), Medium (C4), Soft (C5) (2018: Supersoft, Ultrasoft, Hypersoft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2018 RESULTS
Laps: 68
Pole: 1:10.764, Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
Fast race lap: 1:13.864. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
Podium
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 137
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 120
3. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 82
4. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 78
5. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 57
6. Pierre Gasly, Red Bull, 32
7. Carlos Sainz, McLaren, 18
8. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 14
9. Sergio Perez, Racing Point, 13
10. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo Racing, 13
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 257
2. Ferrari, 139
3. Red Bull, 110
4. McLaren, 30
5. Racing Point, 17
6. Haas, 16
7. Toro Rosso, 16
8. Renault, 14
9. Alfa Romeo Racing, 13
10. Williams, 0
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