F1 Canadian GP Live Commentary and Updates – Race

The rear of the field is lining up...

So short is the opening lap, the field is now approaching the grid once more. 

Get your final predictions in now. If you want an open race, this is certainly an outing that fills that criteria. 

There is plenty of standing water around at the moment but a dry line has appeared fairly easily across the sessions this weekend. 

The tyres have now been revealed and only Magnussen and Hulkenberg will start on the wet tyre. All other drivers have fitted the intermediate options. 

Given there is more rain on the way, that is a gamble that could pay off. 

However, those starting positions also mean the Ferrari duo are in the firing line of any action that could, and quite likely will, occur. 

We haven't mentioned them yet but there is work to do for Ferrari, with Leclerc and Sainz starting in P11 and 12. These conditions, however, could be just the ticket to elevate the pair up the order. 

Just over five minutes to go. It's time to play the music, have a little bop, and then get ready for those five iconic lights. 

The F1 timing screen is wonderful sometimes. "Risk of rain for F1 race is 100%". Insert your own sarcastic reply here...

Big problems for Ocon as his Alpine has suffered a wastegate problem, meaning he has no power. The team are battling to find a fix and the bodywork is going back on but only time will tell if the fix has been successful. 

Offering his latest assessment, Norris has said that he believes the track is currently between intermediates and wets. That's the best way for some fun, weather that matches no tyre perfectly!

It must be said, with this weather, it is impossible to avoid thinking about perhaps the greatest F1 race of all time - other opinions are available - the 2011 Canadian GP. Jenson Button's finest hour. 

In close pursuit though, are the two McLaren drivers, with Norris third and Piastri fourth. 

Turning back to the order, and a penny for the thoughts of Russell, who will start from pole for the first time this season. He has Verstappen alongside him but will be entirely focused on getting his second F1 victory. 

At the front of the grid, we're being treated to a circus display with lots of flipping and dancing. Only in F1! 

Uh oh. Alonso has warned that Aston Martin expects more rain in 10 minutes. That is not good for the prospect of the race beginning on schedule. 

The pit exit is now closed, and drivers will finally line up on the grid - albeit under the awnings to keep everything nice and dry. 

Highlighting the struggle, Sargeant has just gone straight on at the hairpin while running intermediates. 

Although the rain is still coming down, a dry line is quickly appearing. If there are intermittent showers throughout, expect the pitlane to be extremely busy today! 

Unsurprisingly, the timing screen indicates "low grip conditions". However, Perez believes the track could already be prime for intermediates. That would be a gamble! 

Before we look at the grid order, the drivers are making their way to the grid and both McLaren cars are fitted with intermediate tyres. Grip is minimal and they are struggling to put the power down. 

Good evening and welcome to the Canadian Grand Prix where the heavens have opened and the track is soaking.