This is a circuit that punishes the slightest error - Rampf

With the Monaco GP being contested, Formula One makes its next stop in Montreal, this weekend. At first glance, the GP circuits of Monaco and Canada seem to not have a lot in common but Willy Rampf, the BMW Sauber F1 Team's Technical Director, confirms that there is a commonness.

"This is a circuit that punishes even the slightest error, as the crash barriers are largely extremely close to the track and there aren't many run-off areas," he says. "We were very competitive in Canada last year and I am extremely confident that we will be able to again come away with good results, this year."

The 'Circuit Gilles Villeneuve' features a special mix of extremely fast and slow sections. "The combination of long straights and chicanes makes Montreal what we call a 'medium downforce' circuit and we have developed a special aero package that takes this into account," reveals Rampf. "The long straight leading up to the final chicane offers the drivers the best overtaking opportunity - if top speed allows."

Still, the tailor-made aero package isn't the only vital factor if you want to succeed in Montreal. A good brake performance is just as important. "Montreal is harder on the brakes than any other circuit on the F1 calendar, so maximum brake cooling and high-performance specifications for discs and pads are the order of the day," explains the German.