Williams head to Canada in search of a podium

(Williams Martini Racing Team)

The Williams Martini Racing Team head to the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend following a mixed Grand Prix last time out in Monaco which saw Felipe Massa carve his way through the field after starting the race from 16th on the grid to finish the race in 7th place just behind McLaren's Jenson Button and in doing so the Brazilian has continued Williams points scoring. The Grove outfit have scored points in every race so far this season and are currently in 6th place in the Constructors championship equal with McLaren on 52.

Speaking ahead of the race this weekend Massa said:

'We aim to be more competitive in Canada and hopefully we can have a good performance. The top speed of the car is good and this will be our main strength. Montreal has hosted some great races in the past and this has a lot to do with the weather, so we need to be prepared as it can rain and often without warning. The city is a very relaxed place to be so it’s nice to go back there every year.'

Valtteri Bottas heads to the Canadian Grand Prix following his first retirement of the season last time out in Monaco when the Mercedes power unit in the back of his FW36 blew. However the Finn will not encounter a penalty as that engine had done the mandatory five Grand Prix events. Montreal has been a great track for Bottas as he qualified in third place here last year with Williams so he will be hoping for an equally good or better performance this season and will also be hoping to pick up more points for the team. Speaking to Williams website Bottas said:

'I have some great memories from Canada last year as I qualified my career best position of third. The track is such a contrast from the last race in Monaco, and I think it plays to the strengths of the car, such as good straight line speed. We are aiming to continue our record of points in every race so far this season. It’s a special track not only in the fact that it’s technically a street circuit, but that there are a lot of big braking zones and few fast corners.'

Williams Head of Vehicle Performance Rob Smedley said:

'Canada is a very special circuit due to the long fast straights and slow corners. We will take the same compounds as Monaco so we know how these tyres work from the last race. If the weather is cool we could suffer from tyre heating issues and if it’s hot then there is the chance of thermal degradation. Tyre issues are something we are aware of and so will be a focus throughout the weekend. Kerbing is also important in Montreal as being able to ride the kerbs over the two chicanes is key to a quick lap time. Our car is aerodynamically efficient which is vital on the long straights in Canada so we feel we are in good shape.'

©Ben Johnston 2014

McLaren head to Canada hoping to build on strong performance in Monaco

(McLaren Mercedes)

The McLaren F1 Team head to Canada this weekend off the back of a strong result for Jenson Button last time out in Monaco where the 2009 world champion finished the race in a strong 6th place after starting the race from 12th on the grid. Button has good record in Montreal having won here in 2011 for McLaren and he is hoping for another strong performance this weekend. Speaking ahead of this weekend's race Button said:

'I really enjoy the Canadian Grand Prix – it’s one of those races where everything just feels right. The city is fantastic, the fans are friendly, loyal to the sport and incredibly supportive, the track is intense, and the racing is usually pretty hectic. It’s a place that simply produces great Formula 1.

 

“It was a positive for the whole team to put some points back on the board at Monaco after a difficult few races; we’re obviously still far away from where we want to be, but it’s important that we maintain our aim of continuous development throughout the whole season. Although we’re still a long way from the leaders, we’ve matched the general rate of development since the start of the season, which is a positive.

 

“In Canada, the weather can always play a key role – the forecast currently looks good, but you never know when you pull back the curtains in the morning whether you’re going to be faced with blue skies, or grey clouds and pelting rain. We’ll probably get a bit of both next week.'

Button's team mate Kevin Magnussen, started the race in Monaco from 8th place on the grid and went on to finish 10th place to secure a point for the Woking based outfit. That result came despite an incident with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in the closing stages of the Grand Prix.

The Dane is hoping for a trouble free weekend in Canada and is aiming on scoring the best result he can for the team. He said:

'The Canadian Grand Prix is one of those races I’m really looking forward to: I’ve always watched it on TV, and it’s always looked like one of the very best, most enjoyable, and most dramatic events of the season.

 

“The track looks like a lot of fun; it’s got a good blend of corners, and it’s the kind of place where you want the car nicely hooked up and beneath you because, apart from the back straight, it’s pretty much always changing direction. So it’s a bit like Monaco in that respect, but a lot faster.

 

“It would be nice to have a straightforward weekend after a couple of disappointing technical problems. Things didn’t quite go my way in Spain or Monaco – through no fault of my own – so I just want to get my head down, work with my engineers and work on delivering a good result, with no mishaps.

 

“I think it’ll actually be interesting to see what we can achieve without encountering a problem that sets us back.'

McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier has praised Jenson Button's work with the team so far this season and feels that Kevin Magnussen has been a fantastic addition to the Woking based outfit saying:

'In recent years, the Canadian Grand Prix has really developed into one of Formula 1’s showpiece events. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the purest racetracks on the calendar, and one that invariably produces an unusual and unexpected result.

 

“At McLaren, of course, we fondly remember the 2011 race, when Jenson enjoyed one of his greatest, most memorable victories there. Despite our current lack of pace, Jenson continues to be an absolutely fantastic ambassador for the team. Not only is he a fantastic driver, but he’s also somebody with the feel and experience to steer the team and give it direction for development. His input has been invaluable, and he remains a tireless contributor.

 

“Kevin, equally, has been a fantastic asset so far this season. He’ll be keen for a problem-free weekend after a couple of niggling technical issues in the past two races. That’s a shame, because they’ve robbed him of a couple of potentially strong points finishes, but he'll surely have a weekend less beset with undeserved mishap soon. And when that happens, I think people will be impessed by his pace, in both qualifying and the race, because it's clear that he’s the complete package and that good results will inevitably therefore come in time.

 

“Overall, it’s still difficult to gauge exactly where we are: both Monaco and Canada are very particular types of circuit, and don’t really offer a true reflection of our current state of development. It would be nice to get some more points on the board, but I don’t think we’ll get a clear idea of how much we’ve progressed until we go back to Europe.

©Ben Johnston 2014

Sauber F1 Team Canadian Grand Prix Preview Hoping to score first point's of the season

(Sauber F1 Team)

The Sauber F1 Team head to the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal hoping to score their first point's of the 2014 F1 season. In Monaco two weeks ago the Swiss based outfit failed to get either cars to the finish after both Adrian Sutil and Esteban Gutierrez were involved in accident's. Speaking ahead of Sunday's race Adrian Sutil stated:

'I am looking forward to the Canadian Grand Prix. It is a nice track and I like racing there. Because of the many long straights, you can easily overtake. That’s why the races there are mostly quite exciting. On the other hand there quite a few schicanes as well. That requires a relatively smooth car set-up, as you need to ride the kerbs. Generally the engine power and brake balance are important. The weather also comes into play, as in the last couple of years it has occassionally started to rain during the races. I hope this track suits us better than the ones before.

In 2012, Sergio Perez secured a fantastic third place finish for the team and last season the team were unable to get either car to the finish in Canada and they will hoping that they can improve their performance there this weekend. 

The Swiss team are one of only two teams yet to score points in 2014 after the Marussia F1 Team finished in 9th place last time out in Monaco with Jules Bianchi scoring the Banbury based squad's first ever Formula One point. Esteban Gutierrez will be hoping that he can put in a good performance for the team this weekend. Speaking about the Canadian Grand Prix the Mexican said:

'The track in Montreal requires a high top speed as well as good mechanical grip. The surface is quite slippery there, so the tyre compound will be important. The way the tyres warm up is especially significant, because we have to keep in mind that they have a lot of time to cool down on the long straights. The track itself is a combination of a street and permanent circuit. There is a lot of history behind the Canadian Grand Prix, and it is a traditional race. Overall, it is a nice event. We have to approach the race weekend with a positive mindset. The whole team is pushing very hard to improve our current situation.”

Sauber's Head of Track Engineering, Giampaolo Dall'Ara stated:

'The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is the first track on the calendar where specific wings are used with the objective to reduce the drag at the cost of some downforce. It will be extremely interesting to see how the teams will balance the higher efficiency requirements with their 2014 power units. The alternation between long straights and low speed corners makes a demand for sheer speed, braking stability, quick change of direction and good traction, as well as smooth riding of the bumps and kerbs. The C33 will get some fine aerodynamic upgrades and, of course, a specific rear wing. The soft and super soft compounds allocated by Pirelli may offer some interesting scenarios on the race strategy side.'

©Ben Johnston 2014

Raikkonen has been unlucky

(Scuderia Ferrari SpA via Twitter)

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen believes that he has just been unlucky so far this season when it comes to results following a somewhat difficult return to Ferrari for the Finn. Raikkonen rejoined the Scuderia at the start of 2014 and has far failed to match team mate Fernando Alonso, however he has managed out pace the Spaniard on occasion, out-qualifying him in Spain and out performing him last time out in Monaco before the Finn was hit by Marussia's Max Chilton when the Finn was in contention for a podium finish.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix Raikkonen, who has had a number of incidents this season said:

'I have driven well many times, but there's always been something going wrong in the races - like punctures from other people hitting me - and it's just never come together really. he went on to say: 

'It's a shame. Again we had a good position [in Monaco] but got a puncture so it's just bad luck.Once we get a good feeling with things I'm sure it's going to be a lot better,"

"But until we get the results and things fixed we have to keep fighting and hopefully be a bit more lucky in the future. 

Raikkonen is currently in 12th place in championship on 17 point's, 44 behind Alonso. The Iceman was pleased with the progress that the team have made over the last few Grand Prix despite being a little uncomfortable with the F14T but he has no doubt that the team are going in  the right direction in relation to the development of the car.

Ferrari are currently in third place in Constructors championship, 21 point's behind Red Bull.

©Ben Johnston 2014

Force India Canadian Grand Prix Preview

(Sahara Force India Formula One Team)

The Sahara Force India Formula One Team head to this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal having scored yet another points finish last time out in Monte Carlo where Nico Hulkenberg finished the race in 5th place just ahead of Jenson Button. The German is in fifth place in the Driver's championship just seven point's behind Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo. 

It was a disappointing race for Sergio Perez however as the Mexican retired from the race following an accident on the first lap. The Silverstone based outfit have scored point's in every Grand Prix so far this season including Sergio Perez's podium finish in third place at the Bahrain Grand Prix. 

Speaking ahead of the race this weekend team principal Dr Vijay Mallya said:

'The car was competitive. We qualified tenth and eleventh, but we felt we could have qualified a few tenths better, which would have put us into sixth or seventh on the grid. Nico drove the car wonderfully well; he conserved the tyres when he had to and defended brilliantly at the end. On the supersofts we did over 50 laps, which is quite incredible. It’s just a shame Sergio’s afternoon was so short: I would have liked to see what he could have done too.'

When asked about the teams result in Monaco last weekend. Speaking about the teams current fight for fourth place in the Constructors championship Mallya said:

'The battle for fourth place is going to be intense as the season develops, but at the moment we are firmly in fourth with 15 points advantage over fifth place. We are now a third of the way into the season and we’ve shown that we have a car that can constantly deliver whatever the track. We’ve been in the points in every race, which is very motivating for everyone in the team and helps pump us up even more. There are some strong teams behind us, but we are holding our own and will continue pushing hard.'

Mallya was also asked about how he expects the team to get on this weekend and said:

'It should be a good one for us. However, gone are the days when you can hope to have results simply based on what tracks should suit you. This game has changed too much. There are so many variables in racing that we don’t take anything for granted. For example, the weather often plays a role in Montreal and that could reset everything.'

Nico Hulkenberg was asked about his strong start to the 2014 season and the German said:

'It’s my best run of results in Formula One and I’m really enjoying the racing. I’ve said many times that consistency is our strength and we showed that again in Monaco with another fifth place. Monaco was not our strongest track, or our weakest track, but we still brought the car home for a great result.'

Hulkenberg was asked about the closing stages of the Monaco Grand Prix and whether he felt it was difficult to hold onto fifth place in the closing stages of the race:

'It was such a hard race. There was pressure from behind and my tyres were gone. Just keeping the car out of the wall was difficult. So it was a big relief to keep Jenson behind. I was shouting over the radio when I crossed the finish line because it was such a satisfying result for everyone in the team.'

The Hulk was also asked about his expectations for the Canadian Grand Prix.

'It’s difficult to say how we will perform in Montreal. In theory it should be one of the better tracks for us, but things change from race to race. It’s good that we have the soft and supersoft tyres again because I think the softer tyres are more suited to our car. As an overall event the Canadian Grand Prix is one of my favourites because of the buzz around the city and the unusual track. To get a quick lap you need good top speed, a car that can attack the curbs and you also have to be brave enough to get close to the walls.'

 

Sergio Perez heads to the Canadian Grand Prix hoping to resume point scoring for the team following his retirement from the race in Monaco. He said:

'I really enjoy racing in Canada; it’s a very nice circuit which is quick and technical. It feels a little bit like a home race for me because it’s not too far from Mexico and there are always quite a few Mexican fans at the race. It’s a very cool city as well with a touch of Europe in the American continent, and the food is just amazing.'

The Mexican has a good record in Canada having secured a third place finish here in 2012, he said:

'I have very good memories from Montreal. In 2012 I started at the back of the grid and managed to finish in third place. It was an amazing race and my one-stop strategy worked perfectly. It was my second podium in Formula One and a great feeling - one I hope to experience again soon.

He was also asked about the layout of the track:

'It’s another track where you need good top speed and traction from the slow corners. You also have to maximise the limits of the track to be quick and get really close to the walls, so it’s easy to make a mistake. It’s hard to overtake there, but the final chicane is definitely the best opportunity. As a track, it should be suited to the strengths of our car so we have to maximise this opportunity.'

He concluded by saying:

'After a very disappointing race in Monaco, I just want to get back in the car and get the best possible result for my team. Points will be the target.'

©Ben Johnston 2014

Formula One set to roar to life at Race Week London

(Race Week London)

On Thursday July 3rd, London's Artillery Gardens will roar to life with the of Formula One cars past and present as the sport gets ready for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. 

Appearing at the event will be the stars of Formula One along with the cars. There will also be classic Formula One cars at the event including Ayrton Senna's 1984 Toleman. Micheal Schumacher's Benetton in which the German took his maiden Grand Prix victory at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix.

Among the activities on the day, F1 driver's will carry out adrenalin fueled stunts such as tyre burnouts and rubber burning donuts

Fancy the chance to try your hand in a Formula One simulator? Well, at London Race Week you can try and beat the fastest time set by F1 drivers. Along with the Formula One demonstrations there will be the opportunity to purchase official Formula One memorabilia along with a luxury shopping village. 

Formula One fans will also get the opportunity to meet Formula One drivers and get autographs. There will also be the chance to ask drivers questions during driver Q and A sessions. The United Kingdom is at the heart of Formula One with many of the teams based in England, in fact this year, Silverstone is celebrating its 50th British Grand Prix and London Race Week is perfect way for fans to prepare for the British Grand Prix. 

Along with the Formula One action, there will also be the legendary F1 Driver's Cricket match which last took place in the 1970's where 1976 world champion James Hunt and three time champion Niki Lauda competed in the match. 

There will also be the annual black tie extravaganza that is the Grand Prix Ball in aid of the Prince's Trust.

Race Week London will also have the Black Ball Race Forum - an F1 Business Forum in association with Sports Pro.

Young Londoners will get the opportunity to learn about apprenticeships within the world of F1. Speaking about the inaugural Race Week London event, CEO Jonny Dodge said:

‘We're really looking forward to launching the Race Week festival in London. The UK is often called the spiritual home of F1 and so it’s about time an event took place where race fans and committed petrol heads can come together and enjoy some of the glamour, excitement and sophistication of F1. And, of course, we are delighted to be supporting the Princes Trust as part of the Grand Prix Ball’. 

The Race Week Festival takes place on Thursday 3rd July at Artillery Gardens in London. Tickets for the event cost £40 and can be purchased by visiting: www.raceweeklondon.com For tickets to the Grand Prix Ball o Thursday 3rd July visit www.gpball.co.uk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjMATDf1Zgg Preview of what to expect at Race Week London by clicking the Youtube link.

©Ben Johnston 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