Use of UltraSoft tyres crucial in Canada - Lowe

Mercedes technical director Paddy Lowe believes the key to winning in Montreal next Sunday may lie with how teams exploit Pirelli's UltraSoft compound.

Just as in Monaco, the purple-rimmed tyres shall be available once again at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, although the level of degradation of the soft rubber should differ meaningfully to how it evolved in the streets of the Principality.

"We'll see the second appearance of the UltraSoft compound this weekend - which should mean a notable drop in qualifying times relative to 2015," Lowe explained.

"However, the track is far more aggressive on tyres than Monaco, so understanding how best to use the UltraSoft for the race will be one of the main challenges."

The Canadian venue also offers a difficult set of challenges for both drivers and teams, with regard to set-up, with the emphasis on brake wear.

"Montreal is an unusual circuit, with plenty of low-speed corners linked by a good number of straights. It's a track that is demanding of both the power unit and the brakes."

While Mercedes will once again line up as a clear favourite on the shores of the Saint Laurent river, it will be interesting to see if Nico Rosberg can bounce back from his lacklutsre race in Monte-Carlo and resume his winning ways against team mate and rival Lewis Hamilton.

"We came away from Monaco please to have won there for a fourth consecutive year - but not entirely satisfied after a tough afternoon for Nico.

We've put a lot of effort into understanding why that was and have some good insights to take forwards into future races."

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