Teams will likely have to face the prospect of running in the wet at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve during at least one of the five F1 sessions this weekend.
Consistent rain showers are expected across the entire weekend in Montreal, which will likely add to the challenge of a typically testing event.Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected on the day before practice begins. The newly-resurfaced track is therefore likely to be extremely ‘green’ when cars hit the track for the first time on Friday.
The risk of rain will continue into Friday, with a 40% chance affecting either the opening practice session. For the afternoon’s second practice, thunderstorms could have a major impact on running, with wind speeds picking up to 20kph.
Saturday’s qualifying day is likely to be the coldest of the three days of running with a high of just 18C expected. Third practice in the morning is more likely to be wet than not, but while the chance of rain reduces slightly in the afternoon, there is still a decent threat that qualifying will be affected by rain for the second year in a row at this track.
For Sunday’s grand prix, the chance that Canada could produce the first wet race of the season cannot be ignored. However, this is looking less likely than the previous two days of track action, with the risk of rain sitting at around 30%.
The last time a conventional race weekend was affected by rain, back in Suzuka, many fans were deprived of running as many teams opted to keep their cars in the garage and not run at all. In response, Pirelli have approached the FIA about revisiting a new rule change for 2024 that allows teams to hold onto an extra set of intermediate tyres after Fridays for the remainder of the weekend.
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For more updates on the track conditions during each session keep an eye on RaceFans Live and the RaceFans Twitter account.
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Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
6th June 2024, 12:30
I’m a bit conflicted now.
I always say bring on the rain as it can inject some chaos and uncertainty to the weekend which I enjoy.
However, with teams appearing to be nibbling into Max and Red Bulls dominance just lately, I would like dry conditions for a fair comparison now.
Whatever. So long as rain doesn’t stop play that’s fine.
Erzen (@xenn1)
6th June 2024, 13:43
@nullapax I don’t think we would get such a fair comparison in Canada anyways. It’s a very smooth surface on a low downforce track where brakes are the limiting factor.
I think the next 4 rounds, and especially the ones in Barcelona and Silverstone will be much better indicators of where McLaren and Ferrari are compared to Red Bull. So for now, bring on the chaos!
us-brian (@us-brian)
6th June 2024, 13:16
Rain Chances are already slightly higher that the ones noted in the article. I know they can fluctuate as time goes on, but Chances are 50% on all three days. Even if the rain falls after or between the sessions and the Track is dry, the Track will be super green, which maybe helps spice things up too.
I honestly would love to see mixed conditions in Quali and the Race. For the Race, dry start and the rain to dry again.
MacLeod (@macleod)
6th June 2024, 13:31
That would not be good for Ferrari but McLaren would be on top. Mercedes could be also much more in the front. Red Bull in the hands of Max would be also in the front but Perez would be having a bad weekend when it rains.
Bullfrog (@bullfrog)
6th June 2024, 16:16
For a moment I thought this was another new regulation for 2026!
A drying track during a Montreal race can be magic – I hope it comes then and doesn’t spoil Friday or Saturday’s running.
Jere (@jerejj)
6th June 2024, 16:40
Post-COVID hiatus, Canadian GP weekends seemingly can’t catch a break anymore weather-wise, especially qualifying, which was rain-affected in the last two editions, meaning the current-generation cars are yet to tackle the circuit in proper qualifying trim pace.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
7th June 2024, 3:41
Second year in a row that quali is affected by rain? If it happened it’d be 3rd: 2022 was wetter than 2023.
Jim from US (@jimfromus)
7th June 2024, 18:46
Fan friendly F1. Session started on time but pit exit is closed. I will never go to a race in person. Just not worth the expenses to maybe see some cars driving and I guess if you’re extremely lucky, racing.