Indeed, Schumacher looked visibly disappointed at being outpaced by Alonso at Silverstone despite predicting a turnaround prior to the race. Still, the trip to North America will certainly evoke some good memories for the
Ferrari squad after a successful 2005 race.
Benefiting from various retirements, Schumacher and Barrichello delivered a double podium for the team last year and helped them on their way to get ahead of
Toyota in the constructors’ standings.
This year they will be hoping their improved pace compared to last season will give Schumacher and
Felipe Massa an edge over
Renault, with the former champion desperate to stem a tide is currently going all the French team’s way at the moment.
"The circuit itself is completely different to any that we have raced on until now,” Schumacher said. “On the one hand it is necessary to be quick and so have a low aerodynamic download, or lower than usual. On the other hands, the chicanes call for the opposite and so we need a mechanical set up able to exploit the tracks many kerbs. In my opinion, Montreal is the 'stop an go' type and brakes are very important.
"It is a new challenge for us all and I am eager to see how it goes. I believe that we could do well but we will have to wait for Friday for a real sense of things. Only then will we have an idea of how things will go. Our aim is clear: we want to do well and keep going in the title race. It will certainly not be easy; nothing is in
Formula 1. I am looking forward to it and we can expect a tight race. How will we do in the end? We will do just great!"
Massa too has a strong record in Canada having equalled the best finish of his career at that point with a fighting fourth place for Sauber last season. After a couple of consistent, if not especially inspiring, races behind him, the Brazilian will be eager to try and snatch a second podium of the year, as rumours gather pace about whether he will remain with the team next year…
Toyota – Ralf Schumacher (#7), Jarno Trulli (#8):
Although the TF106B heralded an upturn in form for Toyota in Monaco and
Silverstone, the new car remains pointless after a disappointing showing in the British Grand Prix. Indeed, having qualified in seventh place, Ralf Schumacher was chasing a points finish but after an awful start, he came together with
Scott Speed and
Mark Webber and subsequently retired.
