Canadian GP: Renault driver preview

Drivers looking forward to competitive Canada

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team driver Jarno Trulli is confident of building momentum at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, after scoring his first points of the season with an impressive fourth place on the treacherous streets of Monaco.

"I'm very happy to have scored points because it has been a tough start to the season," he said. "The team now has 11 points, which has put us clear of Sauber: that is the important thing this season. I am feeling confident for the rest of the year."

Trulli is a fan of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and he believes the R202's engine and chassis package will suit the demands of the track.

He added: "It is a high speed circuit where you need good traction and good stability under braking. The circuit will provide a contrast to Monaco because we should see some overtaking on the long straights, but our package is strong and we should perform well. Having said that, we can't be certain until we start running and see how we compare."

Team-mate Jenson Button is also confident that the R202 will perform strongly in Montreal. The Briton mastered the high kerbs of Imola to finish a competitive fifth and he feels another points finish is well within his reach again.

"Montreal is a strange circuit. There's not really much to it - lots of chicanes and no real challenging high-speed corners, which are what I enjoy most. The track will rubber in throughout the weekend, so the last run in qualifying will definitely be the quickest."

"You need a car that can ride the kerbs in the chicanes, which we know we have from our strong performance in Imola. I'm confident the car will work well there."

After the Monaco race, where many drivers were able to stay at home in their own apartments, the flay-away race in Montreal presents different challenges. Button enjoys the city, and he plans to train there in the build-up to the race in order to acclimatise to the conditions.

He said: "It takes a long time to get used to the time difference, so I will spend the days before the race doing some light training. Montreal is a really friendly place, with lots to see and good restaurants. Definitely a city I enjoy spending time in."

Trulli is equally happy to visit Montreal at the mid-season stage: "I really love the city, with good bars and restaurants, and lots of Formula 1 people around. After a few races in Europe, it's a great chance to go out and have some fun with the team in the middle of the season."

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