Bridgestone hots up for Canada

The high speed Monza circuit, where all 11 F1 teams tested last week, allowed Bridgestone to evaluate compounds for use in Canada. Despite the smooth nature of the Montreal circuit, the soft and medium specification tyres will be offered as the very soft compound would be likely to blister under the very high temperatures.

According to Bridgestone Motorsport's Technical Manager, Yoshihiko Ichikawa, most drivers will opt for the soft compound. He said: "The soft compound isn't ideally suited to Monza but it's performed well in our pre-Grand Prix simulation tests. The Montreal track surface is very smooth, like Australia, and isn't severe on the tyres. It's the temperature and not the track surface that's the enemy in Montreal."

The temperature is sure to rise in the paddock and on the track alike with Coulthard keen to maintain his current edge over team-mate Hakkinen and the Finn eager to put his title defence back on track. Both however, will have to get past Michael Schumacher who will want increase his championship lead after disappointingly crashing out at Monaco.