Ralf Defends Montreal Circuit

German Ralf Schumacher on Friday defended the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and insisted the boring track it has been portrayed as is too harsh ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

Williams driver Schumacher took victory at the Montreal circuit last year and claimed that the challenge the track provides is no less than many others on the Grand Prix calendar. He also praised the organisers of the Grand Prix for their efforts in preparing the temporary circuit for a World Championship event and branded the work as "amazing".

"I don't see the track as boring," Schumacher insisted. "To find a good set-up here means a good compromise between having enough wing to get the corners properly and being quick on the straight as well.

"You have overtaking possibilities so for me it is a nice little track and it is not a permanent race circuit so it is amazing they make it up really. They are doing a pretty good job."

Schumacher finished the opening practice session fifth quickest with teammate Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya second in the timesheets to McLaren's Briton David Coulthard.