Gasly expecting to struggle in low-downforce trim in Canada

©WRI

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly will be racing in Montreal for the very first time next weekend, and expects the track's layout to pose a challenge to the team's STR13 chassis.

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve represents the first real high-speed challenge for teams and drivers this season.

Cars travel at speeds in excess of 300km/h at four different points around the lap, with subsequent slow corners underscoring braking power and endurance.

Trimmed to a low-downforce set-up, Toro Rosso's Honda-powered STR13 chassis won't be at its advantage in Canada, according to Gasly.

"I’ve never ever been to Canada in my life, but everyone tells me the Grand Prix in Montreal is one of the best of the season, because there’s a great atmosphere and the town is really super," says the 22-year-old rookie.

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"So I’m looking forward to experiencing it for myself for the first time.

"The circuit looks exciting with some long straight sections, so some overtaking opportunities. It’s a complicated track, with the walls never far away and the famous final chicane with the “Champions’ Wall.

"This is a race where you take off a lot of downforce to get good top speed, which means the car won’t be easy to drive.

"Even if there are not many corners here, it’s a complicated track to drive, but everyone seems to like it so I’m looking forward to it."

It obviously won't be a home race for the Gasly, but he'll nevertheless enjoy a home feeling of sorts thanks to the French speaking local folk.

"Of course I speak French, so the people there will understand me, even if I’ve been told the accent and even the vocabulary over there is something a bit different!"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.