(Jun 5th) – The two softest tyres in Pirelli’s range – the P Zero Red supersoft and P Zero Yellow soft – return for the Canadian Grand Prix, but they will face a very different challenge to Monaco two weeks ago. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is another temporary circuit, but it is a lot faster and provokes much more tyre wear. Along with frequently variable weather, which could cause the Cinturato Green intermediate and Cinturato Blue wet to be called into action, this makes Canada one of the most exciting and unpredictable races of the year, with a much higher percentage of stoppages, incidents and safety cars than usual. As the semi-permanent track is used very infrequently, there is a high degree of circuit evolution over the course of the weekend, with the lap times getting progressively quicker as more rubber is laid down. The heavy braking areas (Canada is the hardest circuit on brakes of the year) and traction required to power out of all the slow and medium speed corners places heavy demands on the tyres, especially the rears. In general, the surface is extremely low-grip and this causes the cars to slide a lot, which further increases tyre wear. So knowing how to manage the tyres in Canada is a crucial skill, and the demands of the track will make it almost impossible to carry out long stints with just one pit stop, as was the case in Monaco. There are also several opportunities for overtaking over the 4.361-kilometre track, but this carries a risk, as the track is normally very dirty off line. Last year, the race was interrupted for nearly two hours due to heavy rain before McLaren driver Jenson Button won the race, having come into the pits six times (one of which was a drive-through penalty). This year, there will be far fewer stops if conditions stay dry – but tyre strategy will still play an important role in the final outcome of the race. (Red)
