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The 2013 Canadian Grand Prix is just round the corner and as the weekend gets under way, let’s take a look at some possible themes for this year’s Grand Prix.
1. Mercedes Tyre-Gate Drama:
Mercedes AMG Petronas and Pirelli have been making the news ever since it emerged that both of the companies were involved in a secret tyre test in Barcelona. Following the Moanco Grand Prix, the FIA heard both of the parties and the case has now been shifted to FIA Tribunal. The Mercedes team may possibly face sanctions such as expulsion, suspension, loss of points etc.
This whole story is likely to be the talk of the paddock and we may get some more details about the test. Also, it has emerged that it was Sebastian Vettel who first got to know about the test during a conversation with Nico Rosberg. But the Mercedes team have officially denied this report, so it remains to be seen as to how the story came up during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
2. Have Mercedes sorted out their tyre-wear woes?
Nico Rosberg has recently been on a run of pole positions but he has only managed to take one win out out of 3 pole positions. In Monaco, tyre-wear wasn’t a big issue for Mercedes as the track is front limited and the surface is also quite smooth but Montreal is the exact opposite. The track in Montreal is very demanding on the tyres and brakes so it will be interesting to see whether Mercedes have finally conquered their tyre woes or are they still where they were pre-Monaco.
Another aspect to this is that if Mercedes show better tyre performance, it may convince FIA and teams like Red Bull and Ferrari of the fact that the tyre test in Barcelona had some role in the improved performances. So, Mercedes are in a tough situation and are likely to feel the heat in both circumstances.
3. Can Ferrari bounce back ?
The Scuderia-Ferrari team had a dismal performance in the Monaco Grand Prix with Felipe Massa crashing out and Fernando Alonso finishing in 7th place. So, the question is, can they bounce back? The most likely answer to that is yes as it’s been the sort of year where Ferrari have had numerous up and down weekends but they have always bounced back. Also, the F138 is a very fast car, especially in low downforce configuration, so the team are likely to be fighting again for the top spot on the podium.
4. Can Red Bull break the Montreal jinx?
Infinity Red Bull Racing have never won the Montreal Grand Prix and it is the only track where Red Bull haven’t won, the other being at Austin, Texas.
But their chances are slim as Montreal is a low downforce circuit and Red Bull traditionally haven’t been good in this department, so expect them to fight with the big boys but most likely for the podium position.
5. What effect will mother nature have?
Over the past few years, mother nature has played a big part in some of the craziest Canadian Grand Prix races and the weather for this weekend is also looking quite crazy.
According to the current weather forecast, rain is predicted in both practice sessions and in qualifying. For the race, the forecast looks much better but few rain showers can come even during the race. So all in all, we are likely to have a wet/dry race weekend and this will spice up the things.
