Montréal 2013 - GP Preview - Marussia Cosworth

Hot on the heels of Monaco’s universal appeal comes the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2013, an altogether different challenge, but for the teams and drivers, a firm favourite on the calendar. The Marussia F1 Team will be racing in Montreal for the fourth time next weekend, whilst drivers Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton will be making their racing debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The 4.361km track is a temporary street circuit close to the centre of the intoxicatingly cosmopolitan city of Montreal. It can be very demanding of the car and requires a careful compromise between the varying low and high-downforce elements. Tyre management and brake wear can also be a challenge. In common with Monaco, the barriers are very close and the drivers need to be wary of the legendary ‘Wall of Champions’.

Jules Bianchi: “I was hoping for better things at my home race last weekend but now I am fully focused on the races ahead, not looking back. Canada is one of the races I have been most looking forward to all season and I have heard a lot of things about the track and the fantastic city of Montreal. Having been in the simulator this week I feel excited for the weekend, although I think we can expect to be challenged by the demands of the circuit characteristics. The last race was the first retirement of the season for myself and the Team, which is disappointing after such a good run of 10 car finishes in 10 races until then. It seems to be an isolated problem, so we look forward to getting back to full reliability and continuing to push forwards.”

Max Chilton: “I’m looking forward to my Canadian Grand Prix debut and returning to the learning experience of an unknown track. From what I know and have seen in the simulator, this is one of those circuits that will keep the drivers and the engineers fully occupied by the engineering challenge, as there is such a careful balance to strike between the low and higher downforce sections of the track, at the same time as managing brakes and tyres. After a good result in Monaco I am hopeful that we can carry that momentum forward and enjoy a positive weekend.”

John Booth, Team Principal, Marussia F1 Team: “Everyone at the Marussia F1 Team thoroughly enjoys the Canadian Grand Prix experience, although the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has not necessarily favoured our car on our three previous visits. We are hopeful that we can turn that corner in Montreal next weekend. It has been quite a tight turnaround after Monaco to prepare the cars for the freight but they leave this weekend and in the intervening period before we arrive we’ll continue to evaluate a frustrating Monaco and try to get a good head start for the race ahead. Canada always throws up quite a few challenges - a technically demanding track, variable weather and the rather more unusual concern over groundhogs. The one thing we were pleased with in the last race was our result and relative performance, so we’ll be happy to continue building on that next weekend.”