Raikkonen admits season isn't unfolding 'according to plan'

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A candid Kimi Raikkonen admits that Alfa Romeo's season has so far fallen short of expectations, with the Swiss outfit sitting just ahead of Williams in the constructors' standings.

Raikkonen delivered points to Alfa in the first four races of 2019, but the Finn was nowhere near scoring a top-ten finish in Barcelona and Monaco.

F1's veteran wass therefore understandably guarded before heading to Montreal.

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"The track in Montreal should suit us but to be honest so far this season not a lot went according to plan," Raikkonen admitted.

"I hope we’ll get the tyres working and then we should be able to get the full potential out of the car.

"Ninth in the Constructor’s Championship is definitely not where we should be."

Like Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo team boss Fred Vasseur views the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as a venue that should be better adapted to the qualities of the squad's C38, whose pace this year has been better on race day then in qualifying.

However, the Frenchman insists that F1's mid-field battle remains as intense and fierce as ever.

"We are looking ahead to Montreal with confidence," said the Frenchman.

"The track layout should suit us and it is one that allows overtaking, which is something we struggled on previous tracks despite good race pace.

"With every race weekend, we gain understanding of our car and we learn how to unlock its pace, but executing a spotless race weekend is still the key.

"The midfield is so close, with only five points dividing fifth and ninth in the championship, so every mistake has a big price, but we know we can score points in Canada and move up in the standings."

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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.