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Canada 08-10 Jun 2012Grand Prix du Canada Circuit de Gilles Villenuve, Montreal, Canada Race Distance: 70 laps, 305.270 km The Canadian GP is held on Isle Notre Dame in Montreal at Circuit de Gille Villeneuve. For most of the year, the course is a simple road that follows the shape of the island's park. But for one week of the year, it's converted into one of Formula 1's fastest courses. The most (in)famous part of the track is known as the "Wall of Champions", a barrier on the exit of the final chicane leading to the front straight that's taken several past F1 champs out of the race. Ironically, the wall is labeled "Bienvenue au Québec" (Welcome to Quebec). 2011's race was dominated by heavy rain, including many SC periods and long red-flag delays. When the cars were running, Vettel once again dominated the race, but ended up making a last-lap blunder sliding off the dry line to give the win to Button who had actually been dead last at one point in the race. Vettel settled for 2nd with teammate Webber in 3rd. It's Vettel on pole for Red Bull in spite of the last-minute declaration of illegality for some of their rear-floor and wheel hub parts. With a dominant 0.3s lead in Q3 over 2nd place qualifier Hamilton, it goes to show that Red Bull is the total package over the flying lap. Alonso qualifies 3rd, with teammate Massa in 6th, showing that the Ferrari setup is improving. Webber and Rosberg round out the top 5. The top 10 qualifiers in Canada: VET HAM ALO WEB ROS MAS GRO DIR MSC BUT This year, tire strategy was the name of the game in Montreal. Vettel ran off to an early lead in his normal fashion from last season. But as the 1st pit stops cycled through, he found himself passed by Hamilton, then both drivers found himself passed by Alonso. Hamilton passed on track to take the lead back and began pulling away. After Hamilton's 2nd stop, he rejoined in 3rd, well back from the Alonso-Vettel battle up front, only to be notified by his crew that the two leaders were likely on a 1-stop strategy. Hamilton then proceeded to put on a fast-lap clinic chasing down both leaders and passing them for the lead and eventual victory. Sensing their strategy mistake, Vettel pits late for a fresh set of super soft tires, while Alonso is left floundering on demolished rubber to be picked off one by one by the cars behind. In the end, Ferrari's mistake traded away a win for 5th place. Vettel's last minute tire change gives him the pace to catch and pass his closest rival Alonso for 4th.
Grand Prix du Canada Circuit de Gilles Villenuve, Montreal, Canada
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