Pastor Maldonado will be hoping for a change of luck this weekend as the Lotus F1 Team driver seeks his first points finish and only his second finish of 2015 in the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Venezuelan admits to enjoying racing at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and says he likes both the track and the atmosphere, and feels he will have a good car this weekend.
“It’s amazing and I always enjoy being there,” said Maldonado. “Canada is a great race not only because of the track but because of the people who come to support it.
There is a great atmosphere all weekend and the city is quite close to the circuit which means there is a great vibe all round. There is also a lot of history to the Grand Prix and it has been around for a while – it is one of the great GPs during the season.
“You need a good race car to have confidence to push and that is something we have with the E23. You use the kerbs quite a lot, so you need to be able to ride the bumps well and you need good turn-in for the chicanes.
“Also, like Monaco, you need to stay away from the walls. You should get close, but making contact is too close!”
Despite failing to finish in five of the six races so far in 2015, Maldonado remains confident of his abilities, and feels the Canadian Grand Prix could offer him the opportunity to finally secure his first points of the season.
“I’ve approaching every race wanting to finish in the points,” said Maldonado. “The circuit in Canada has its own challenges but there’s nothing to say we shouldn’t be fast there.
“This year’s car has felt good so I’ll be pushing for points in the race. At most of the races this year we’ve looked strong all through the weekend and it’s been the final piece of crossing the finish line in the points, which has been out of reach. That’s what we want this weekend.”
