New Montreal surface should suit F1

Jun.7 (GMM) The F1 world is hoping repairs to the surface of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are suited to the sport’s single seaters this weekend.

At past editions of the Canadian grand prix, including the most recent visits in 2007 and 2008, the surface broke up during F1 sessions.

Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi was in Montreal as Red Bull’s reserve driver in 2008, and recalls: “I remember they had problems with the asphalt breaking up and I understand that much of it has now been resurfaced.”

Indeed, in F1′s absence last year, the promoter did major resurfacing work in conjunction with Shell Bitumen, whose product has also been used at tracks including Sepang, Sakhir, Singapore, Hockenheim and the Nurburgring.

It is believed Montreal’s particularly harsh winters and heavy snowfall has contributed to the track surface problems, but for this weekend’s event the weather will be warm.

There is, however, a high chance of rainfall particularly for Saturday’s day of qualifying, with a smaller chance also existing for Sunday.

Some experts are predicting McLaren’s F-duct might haul the British team ahead of the fractured Red Bull camp in Canada.

But Jenson Button said: “We know there’s still a way to go to beat them on sheer pace.”