Sunday 1 June 2014

Oh Canada

(Jean Michel Le Meur DPPI for Renault Sport F1)

Infiniti Red Bull Racing head Montreal for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix with Daniel Ricciardo having picked up his second third place finish in succession as a result, the Australian has now moved ahead of team mate Sebastian Vettel in the Drivers championship. Sebastian Vettel had a race to forget last time out in Monaco as the German was forced to retire from the race.

Speaking ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, Daniel Ricciardo said:

'I doubt anyone on the grid lacks motivation, but there’s definitely a little extra edge to it at some circuits. They tend to be the ones that demand the most from you and hold real consequences from getting it wrong. Montreal definitely falls into that category. Each of the chicanes (the hairpin too) is an opportunity to make up, or lose, time but the crucial corner is probably the last one: you arrive at top speed so there’s a lot to be gained in braking if you get that just right, and then the way you go over the kerbs is worth more time. 

The flip side is that it’s very easy to get wrong and if you do then there’s that big wall waiting. It’s a clear choice: some guys will play it safe and sacrifice half a tenth to get through there cleanly; others who will take a risk and go flat out trying to find a little bit. The nearer you are, the faster you’ll go. Give the wall a kiss and you feel pretty good: Kiss it too hard and that’s it!'

Sebastian Vettel will be hoping to bounce back from his disappointing weekend in Monaco next time out in Canada. The German has a good record in Montreal and won the event here last year, the German also has a number of front row starts too. The German stated:

'Canada is a very demanding high-speed racing track, which is surrounded by rails and concrete walls. There is definitely a high risk potential, especially in Turn 15, where you will soon get to know the notorious “Wall of Fame” should you be driving a few centimetres too far to the right.

The first danger zone is already at the start. In the very narrow right-left passage, it’s all about avoiding contact with the other cars, otherwise there will be a crash. It is not uncommon for the safety car to make an appearance at the Canadian Grand Prix. Before the Grand Prix, I’m travelling to Toronto to spend a day with Infiniti and their guests on Wednesday for an Infiniti driving day, which will be fun. I’ll be performing a few Hot Laps with David Coulthard and some Infiniti guests.'

The Milton Keynes based outfit head to Montreal in second place in the Constructors championship on 99 point's, 21 ahead of Ferrari in third place.

©Ben Johnston 2014

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