Canadian GP Pre-race Power Ratings

Grand Prix DB provides each driver’s statistical rating prior to the start of the race. A rating of 1.00 is the highest possible score. After we have cleared up some computer problems from today, here are the Grand Prix DB Power Ratings for the Canadian GP:

Lewis Hamilton, 0.88
Robert Kubica, 0.87
Kimi Raikkonen, 0.87
Felipe Massa, 0.75
Nick Heidfeld, 0.73
Fernando Alonso, 0.68
Heikki Kovalainen, 0.68
Mark Webber, 0.66
Nico Rosberg, 0.60
Jarno Trulli, 0.58
Rubens Barrichello, 0.54
Kazuki Nakajima, 0.51
Timo Glock, 0.47
David Coulthard, 0.43
Jenson Button, 0.40
Giancarlo Fisichella, 0.34
Nelson Piquet Jr, 0.32
Sebastien Bourdais, 0.29
Sebastian Vettel, 0.23
Adrian Sutil, 0.23

We have definitely seen some changes in our Power Ratings for Canada. For once there is not a Ferrari in the top 2, and Lewis Hamilton has turned his season completely around by rocketing to the top of the ratings heap.

Similar to Australia and Monaco, the track in Montreal has a tendency to yield wildcard results. Remember Alex Wurz’s podium and Taku Sato’s storming race last year? But one constant in these events is the success of Hamilton. Perhaps it’s his sublime karting skills and turn-in technique that are being transferred to tracks that are either tight or have less than ideal surfaces. These three tracks, along with Hungary, seem to especially suit him. This weekend, Hamilton is somehow dealing more successfully with the crumbling surface at the hairpin, which is giving him a much better launch onto the pit straight.

Ferrari are clearly struggling here, especially with traction. But like Monaco, Ferrari weren’t particularly successful in Canada last year. So if either Raikkonen or Massa can earn a podium, it might be seen as a bonus. It is surprising to see Raikkonen struggle so mightily with traction issues, but Massa’s lowly qualifying result underlies how much the Ferrari chassis does not adapt well to low adhesion, grainy track surfaces. I think track temperature is also playing a factor, and if tomorrow proves to be overcast, then the track may come back to the Scuderia.

I’ve said it before, and Robert Kubica continues to be the most exciting qualifier in F1 in years. I won’t compare him to past greats because these comparisons for contemporary drivers have become tiresome. Yet, one can sense the electricity in the air when Kubica commences a hot lap. Ever since he broke into the scene as a Friday test driver for BMW Sauber, he has always been a joy to watch.

For Sunday, chances are that something unexpected will happen. If the organizers cannot get a handle on the track surface issues, then “clag” will definitely be a factor in the race. If that proves to be the case, then the race may turn into something of a lottery, and fans can expect the safety car to appear more than once. Notably, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve seems to favor the underdog, much like the track’s namesake was in his early career. Personally, I am hoping that we will see Robert Kubica come through with his and BMW Sauber’s first F1 victory.

However, logically speaking, Hamilton is in a position for a big win. His front-row starting position will allow him to avoid the inevitable first-lap melee. And if Kubica slots in behind after the start, the Ferraris will not have a clear path of attack to the McLaren driver. There is no doubt that Raikkonen is in a slump, and time will tell if he can respond like a champion. We may have to wait until France to see him at his best, but he needs a good result tomorrow to at least stem the tide that has turned Hamilton’s way.