Rosberg finished second at the last race in Monaco. Can he or Mercedes team-mate Michael Schumacher go one better in Montreal next weeked - Photo Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas
Mercedes hope to take the momentum from Monaco into the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend as they aim for another successful race.
On the streets of Monte Carlo last weekend, Michael Schumacher was the fastest driver in qualifying, and Nico Rosberg went on to finish the race second behind the Red Bull of Mark Webber.
Schumacher, a seven-time winner in Montreal, is understandably a big fan of this particular race, and thinks that his current car should go well there.
“The Canadian Grand Prix is all about the great atmosphere at the track and in the city,” he said. “The Canadian fans make the whole weekend into a real celebration and, for us drivers, it’s great to feel their passion for motorsport. That gives us a natural boost and it would be great to give them even more reasons to celebrate at the end of the weekend.
“The race in Montreal is usually action-packed, like we saw last year. The characteristics of the circuit should suit us, and we are counting on our car performing well there.
“As I said: a trip to Montreal is always worth it. And let’s hope we can make our trip this year especially worthwhile.”
Nico Rosbergagrees that the MGP W03 should be well-suited to this track.
“The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal is a great track, and I’m really looking forward to our visit there,” he said. “With its low downforce and slow corners, a little bit like Monza, the track should suit our car.
We’ve made good progress over the past few weeks, and that was clear from the performance in Monaco. So I’m hopeful that we can make another step forward in Canada and have a successful weekend. The fans are always fantastic at this race and they really turn the city into a carnival for the race weekend. Gilles Villeneuve was a great friend and rival of my father, which also makes this weekend very special. I can’t wait to get there.”
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn echoes his drivers sentiments about this venue. “On the back of a successful weekend in Monaco which saw Michael qualify first on Saturday and Nico finish in second place on Sunday, everyone at the team wants to keep the momentum going and get the racing underway in Montreal next weekend,” he said.
“The Canadian Grand Prix is always a fantastic experience, with both the city and fans giving Formula One such a warm welcome. The circuit itself is an exciting challenge, and the first real high-speed test of the season where brakes, engine power and tyre management are crucial.
“Races at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve have the tendency to be eventful! We’re looking forward to putting on a good show and hope to have another strong weekend.”
