Renault predicts corker

"I think all the signs are there," he said. "Montreal is a circuit that often produces good races - the cars run close, and there are two overtaking opportunities, into the hairpin and the final corner. But what makes it even more exciting is that I believe there is a strong likelihood that different strategies are being used at the front of the field."

Symonds thinks that the catalyst for this is the high levels of brake wear that are always a feature of the Canadian race.

"You always have to keep an eye on it," he explains. "The circuit rubbers in significantly during the race, because the initial grip level on the temporary surface is very low. This increase in grip brings a consequent increase in brake usage, and it therefore becomes critical to manage their wear over the race distance. With this in mind, it does appear to us that a number of teams have switched from an optimum two-stop strategy to three stops, purely to keep brake performance good through the race."

A three-stop strategy means a lighter car, which makes life easier on the brakes. Optimum timing for the first of three stops is around lap 10, while the window for the two-stoppers will open from lap 18. The danger of stopping as early as lap 10, however, is getting mixed up among the slower two-stop runners.

Another factor is that there are many places around the Montreal circuit from which it is difficult to recover a stranded car, which is why there are so many Safety Car deployments in Canada, which can play havoc with multi-stop strategies.

Symonds is confident that the Renaults, which start third (Trulli) fifth (Alonso) are in good shape and an educated guess is that they will two-stop.

"Our performance through practice has been excellent, and on high fuel loads we are very competitive," he said. "The team is very confident that we have the necessary pace, and we have not had to compromise our strategy. While we cannot take into account any unexpected incidents, if all things remain equal, we should have a very competitive day. But whatever the outcome, I think we are assured of one of the best and most intriguing races of the season."