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

[Fernando]

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).

[GSC]

Suspect one of the Mercs may end up putting another in the wall. Probably Hamilton to send a message

[GSC]

Do love Canada though. Most watchable race on the calendar

[Guest]

Must admit the double DRS, does invite that to happen on this track, like Button/Hamilton a few years back. You feel, at Hamilton's strongest track, he really does need to send a message of defiance back towards Rosberg. If Nico wins here, god knows what psychological state Hamilton will be in come Sunday night.

Can see a few engines blowin' under the demands of this track this weekend.

[GSC]

I'd be more worried about the brake by wire systems. Most demanding track on brakes.

[Fernando]

Captain Unibrow has come out on top in P1. Mercedes P2/3

Braking seems an issue for everyone, Bianchi ruined his car in the wall at T3/4

[CaledonianCraig]

Qualifying about to get under way in forty minutes time. I think Hamilton will pip Rosberg to pole.

[skyeman]

After qualifying two, same old, Mercs 1st and 2nd. Button has made it too.

Again thus far Daniel Ricciardo quicker than reigning world champion and team-mate Sebastian Vettel   

[skyeman]

NR gets the pole. Things getting interesting.

[GSC]

Rosberg beats Hamilton in more conventional fashion.

Vettel sets his mark

[GSC]

Williams and Massa in particular will be disappointed with 4th and 6th.

[Fernando]

Sucks to be Hamilton right now, If was anywhere on Calendar you'd expect him to be on pole it would be Canada.

I suspect Williams are fairly happy with 4th & 5th. Should take Vettel on the straight pretty easily.

[GSC]

Have to be in position heading into the straight

Jenson whinging again. Be surprised if he's in that seat next year. Paging Grosjean

[Guest]

Not too fussed with Hamilton's 2nd, pole would of been nice but he will have chances to pass Rosberg at this track with the DRS. All to play for.

Good to see Vettel stringing it together, hopefully his car is reliable tomorrow & he can silence some critics.

[Fernando]

If he's not behind a Williams by the end of lap 3 id be surprised tbh John, That being said RB are quite good on race pace so could keep the Mercedes busy if the Williams don't jump him.

[Guest]

Oh yeah, Vettel will be hoovered up down the DRS straights. I just want to see him have a good reliable race & silence some critics. Good to see him actually match up against Ricciardo & then we can judge.

As for the Mercedes boys, it really could be fireworks & end in tears, as is the layout of this track.

[sportform]

Nearly.

[skyeman]

Looks like a great race.

[skyeman]

Rosberg under investigation for cutting the chicane. Big moment. Could hand the race to LH.

[skyeman]

No penalaty for KR but {final warning}is told that he needs to increase fuel saving, did not harm him at Monaco.

[skyeman]

Could have a problem here for KR and LH, both reporting loss of power.

A winner apart from Merc now?

[nathan]

Could have a problem here for KR and LH, both reporting loss of power.

A winner apart from Merc now?

could well be, strange that both cars have the same problem at the same time.

[skyeman]

Could have a problem here for KR and LH, both reporting loss of power.

A winner apart from Merc now?

could well be, strange that both cars have the same problem at the same time.

Very strange.

Team can't solve it. Losing three seconds a lap.

Massa might get the win.

[skyeman]

KR and LH touch. Puncture OMG. What are they doing.

[nathan]

bit more bad luck for Hamilton. Shame for him.

Mind you, mixes the season up a bit.

[nathan]

KR and LH touch. Puncture OMG. What are they doing.

Racing!

[skyeman]

What a race. LH out.

Rosberg has brake problems.

[skyeman]

KR and LH touch. Puncture OMG. What are they doing.

Racing!

The team are letting them do it. So fair enough.

[GSC]

Hamilton will be flipping the fuses in the Merc garage. Massive few laps

[Bull]

Fee; bad for massa, deserves a win.

[skyeman]

Hamilton will be flipping the fuses in the Merc garage. Massive few laps

LH will be. Also probably praying for Nico to get low or no points.  

[nathan]

Hamilton will be flipping the fuses in the Merc garage. Massive few laps

LH will be.  Also probably praying for Nico to get low or no points.  

He's going to be grumpy if nico gets points.

[sportform]

Perez could save Rosberg's race here.

[nathan]

Perez could save Rosberg's race here.

Hope not, i want the two Mercedes to be as close as possible all season, keeps it interesting.

[nathan]

Come on Massa!

[sportform]

Can Massa catch the front three on fresher tyres? If so it would have been a great call by the team.

[nathan]

Hope so, i want to see a Rosberg DNF too (as harsh as that sounds)

[skyeman]

KR's speed has improved a wee bit, could still do it.

[nathan]

next lap for massa then should be on the gearbox of the red bull. Should be fairly easy overtakes for him.

[nathan]

Massa got a poo exit that ruined that chance

[nathan]

Massa you muppet!

[Guest]

Cmon Ricciardo, I'll do anything

[nathan]

Come on anyone but Rosberg!

[nathan]

Get in!

[Guest]

Yessssssss! German Muppet

[skyeman]

Ricciardo you beaut.

[bogbrush]

Massa you idiot.

[Guest]

Woahhhhhhh!

[nathan]

crap, missed that. Whos fault~?

[nathan]

Well done Daniel!

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