Interesting set up for Montreal

Last year Michael Schumacher won the Canadian Grand Prix and for 2004 he expects the race to go even better. Ferrari tested at Silverstone and Monza last week in preparation for Montreal and Indianapolis, and Schumacher is, as always, confident for the next round of the championship. First in North America is Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"From a technical point of view, there are probably more demanding circuits in the calendar, but, even so, I would always choose to race in Montreal," said Schumacher.

"To race here you need to have an interesting set up for the car -- on the one hand you need to have a quick car, and so a low aerodynamic load. On the other, the chicanes mean you need to have more downforce and good mechanics to be able to ride the kerbs."

"There is all this and then, as I have often stated, Montreal is a track where you brake and accelerate in continuation and so the brakes have to be in good shape."

Schumacher is expecting BAR to be a strong challenger this weekend. "Last year we had to overcome a few problems but we did what we had to. I think that this year it will go even better. BAR could also do well here as Montreal is similar to Imola, where they showed their potential."

Like many others, the reigning champion is happy to be returning to Canada: "There are many reasons to look forward to the race in Montreal," he commented. "It is a beautiful city and Canada is a great place to visit because there is so much to discover. So, for me and the other drivers, the Grand Prix weekend is always pleasant."