Williams technical chief Pat Symonds expects the characteristics of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to suit the Mercedes-powered FW38 and mark a “return to form” for the team.
Although it delivered an improved showing, Williams still struggled to compete with the frontrunners in Monaco with the outfit’s recent struggles at low-speed tracks exposed once more.
As the Formula 1 paddock moves on to Montreal, where Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa finished third and sixth last season, Symonds is hopeful of fighting at the sharp-end.
“Being a fast track with long straights, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve certainly favors the characteristics of the Williams car, as shown by our strong performance last year,” said Symonds.
“This should mark a return to form for the team.
“The circuit itself has very low-average speed corners, with one quick corner at Turn 5 being easily flat and therefore not counting for much these days.
“Good top speed, stable braking with the track being hard on brakes, good change of direction for the multiple chicanes and adequate traction are the key things required here.
“It’s also the second race in a row that we see the new Ultra Soft tyre, but even with this we expect most cars to be on a one-stop strategy.”
Symonds added that Williams will bring a number of aerodynamic and chassis updates to this weekend’s event, as to looks to overhaul second-placed Ferrari in the standings.
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