McLaren keep expectations in check

World champion Fernando Alonso led teammate Lewis Hamilton to a crushing one-two from the British squad at the Monaco Grand Prix, the duo finishing over a minute ahead of Ferrari rival Felipe Massa, the only driver on the lead lap by the end of the race.

But with the Montreal circuit being completely different from Monte Carlo, McLaren's F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh says the team are not expecting a similar dominance in Canada.

He admits, however, that they will still be gunning for victory.

"The Canadian Grand Prix is a very different event to the Monaco race," said Whitmarsh. "We go from the slowest, tightest track packed with corners on the calendar to a circuit that is all about long periods of power and braking.

"The MP4-22 performed incredibly well in Monte Carlo, however as the track conditions are poles apart, we are not going to Montreal with the same expectations.

"We go to Canada aiming to fight for the victory and to maintain our positions at the top of both the constructors' and drivers' championships; however are realistic about the potential to dominate."

Alonso and Hamilton are tied at the top of the standings following the Monaco race, and the Spaniard is aiming to keep the momentum going following his second win of the season.

"We have a great momentum in the team right now after such a fantastic result in Monaco, which is a positive way to be going into the North American double-header," he said. "There has been no opportunity to test since Monaco; however the team has been pushing hard off track to keep the momentum going."

Hamilton, who will be making his debut in Montreal, added: "The result in Monaco was great for everyone in the team, it was a dream result considering it was my first year there in a Formula One car, and it means we are going to North America at the top of both championship tables.

"I cannot wait to get back on track and continue to focus on racing."