Formula 1

Canadian GP McLaren preview

The eighth round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Canadian Grand Prix, takes place at the popular Circuit Gilles Villenueve set against the dramatic skyline of downtown Montreal. The West McLaren Mercedes team is aiming to build on ...

Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM

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The eighth round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, the Canadian Grand Prix, takes place at the popular Circuit Gilles Villenueve set against the dramatic skyline of downtown Montreal. The West McLaren Mercedes team is aiming to build on the second positions currently held in both the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championships, the team with 44 points and David Coulthard on 40.

The team has been at Magny-Cours in France, with David and Alex Wurz, and Danielson in France, with Darren Turner, since the Monaco Grand Prix 10 days ago for an intensive four-day test session to further develop the MP4-16 in preparation for Canada. The Friday following the Monte Carlo race, David was involved in a promotion at a London radio station.

The Canadian Grand Prix has been historically successful for McLaren having won the race a total of eight times, which is more than any other Constructor, the most recent being Mika's victory in 1999. McLaren also holds the record for the largest number of Constructors' points for the race, with 159, and has started the most Canadian Grands Prix from pole position, a total of eight times, the latest being with David in 1998. Last year, Mika set the current lap record for the Circuit Gilles Villenueve with a time of 1.19:049

DAVID COULTHARD

"The Canadian Grand Prix is one of my favourite races of the season, the track is challenging, offers genuine overtaking opportunities and is located close to Montreal, a city which I always enjoy visiting. I am looking forward to the race, following last weeks positive test session, and continuing my consistent record of finishing in the points at every race so far this season."

MIKA HAKKINEN

"There are still ten races to be contested in the FIA Formula One World Championship and the whole team has been working very hard to ensure that we optimise the performance and reliability of the car after the problems experienced so far this season. I enjoy driving at Montreal, the atmosphere is always fantastic and I am hoping to repeat my victory of 1999."

RON DENNIS

"Montreal is always a busy weekend for the team as track conditions at the circuit, which is used once yearly, make it difficult to simulate the set-up and predict tyre-wear in testing. However we have been more successful at this event than any other Constructor, a record we are looking to further this year."

-McLaren

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