Use of UltraSoft tyres crucial in Canada - Lowe

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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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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.