Pit strategy will be key in Canada

The Montreal track features several long straights mixed with slow hairpins, forcing teams to run a compromise set-up on their cars. This, combined with the fact that the circuit features high fuel consumption and brake-wear, means that choosing the correct pit strategy will be vital.

"This track is interesting, because with the downforce levels we run, there is the chance to do something different," said Gary Anderson, Jordan's director of race and test engineering. "Pit stop strategies will be worth watching because normally the tyres are very good and the lap time gets better as the race goes on.

"So someone who takes a gamble, running long to the first stop, will benefit - but obviously their grid slot will compromise their position at the start. It will be interesting to see who comes out of the pack to take the risk early on and I anticipate that some of the top teams would have a good mix to cover all eventualities."

Sauber technical director Willy Rampf reckons that the high fuel consumption around the circuit will be the key factor in determining how many pit stops to make.

"It's a hard circuit on fuel economy, because you use more fuel than usual because of the high amount of acceleration out of the slow corners," said Rampf. "That will make things very interesting when it comes to deciding strategy for final qualifying and the race. Normally this is a one-stop circuit, but you may see some teams trying two.

"This is one of the race tracks where overtaking is possible. It is another factor to take into account when deciding your strategy."