The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is characterized by its dark, gloomy, and wet atmosphere.
Dodging rain showers on Friday, even hail before FP1, the good news is Formula 1 can expect better weather conditions on Saturday although it will still rain.
During the opening practice hour at the Canadian GP on Friday, the rain almost ruined the session, leading to several drivers not even attempting to set times. Only six drivers managed to complete 10 or more laps in the challenging weather conditions.
More rain forecast for qualifying in Montreal
Lando Norris was quickest with a 1:24.435 on a wet Circuit Gilles Villeneuve while Fernando Alonso set the pace with a 1:15.810 in FP2 where the drivers had better track conditions.
However, the session was far from dull as the Aston Martin driver emphasized, “Making the right decision can shave off five seconds, while the wrong one can cost you the race.”
If the conditions remain unchanged tomorrow, individuals who excel in qualifying and make wise choices regarding tires have the potential to gain a significant advantage, and we intend to capitalize on that opportunity.
“This weekend is poised to be quite intriguing. It will always be a gamble to decide the appropriate tire for each moment. Let’s observe if we make the correct choice.”
What the drivers said after Friday’s running in Montreal
Lewis Hamilton targeting Canadian GP surprise with ‘fighting spirit’ warning shot
Lando Norris makes Ferrari Canadian GP pace admission as rain skews pecking order
Charles Leclerc from Ferrari expressed greater confidence in his prospects, securing the fourth position on Friday.
The winner of the Monaco GP expressed their happiness, stating that they are highly competitive under any circumstances. They acknowledged their consistent ability to establish a strong starting set-up.
However, he further stated that if FP3 and qualifying sessions are conducted under dry conditions, we will utilize FP3 to adjust the car’s setup. In the event that FP3 is wet but qualifying is dry, there will be numerous uncertainties for all participants heading into the qualifying session.
Regarding the expectations for Saturday’s drivers, there is a 40 percent possibility of rain during the final practice session, which then rises to 60 percent during the qualifying session.
According to the Met Office, the temperature is expected to reach 22°C, accompanied by a wind blowing from the West South West direction, with gusts reaching speeds of 32mph.
Sunday’s 70-lap Canadian Grand Prix might have a slight possibility of rain, but the amount expected would be considerably less compared to the forecast for Saturday.
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