The Gilles Villeneuve circuit is often described as "Monaco without the barriers," because although the Canadian circuit is low downforce and high on speed, like the track in the Principality it is hardly ever used for racing, has the feel of a street circuit about it and has minimal run off areas. So it is ironic that both Felipe Massa and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro technical director, Ross Brawn compared the situation the team found itself in yesterday to the one it experienced on Thursday in Monaco a couple of grands prix ago.

Both tracks are very dirty and slippery on the first day and the 248 F1 seemed particularly badly affected by this situation, although the team is confident that, as the track "rubbers in" as the improvement in grip levels is known, the performance will improve. This and the fact that both drivers used just one set of tyres for the whole day contributed to Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa ending the first day of practice in fifteenth and twenty second position respectively.

Once again, Poland's Robert Kubica impressed in the BMW-Sauber, as the third driver set the fastest time today. Second was reigning world champion, Fernando Alonso in the Renault, followed by the Williams of Alex Wurz. Kimi Raikkonen was fourth in his McLaren-Mercedes ahead of the Honda of Anthony Davidson, while Giancarlo Fisichella ensured that Renault was the only team to get two cars in the top six today.

Jean Todt: "It's a pleasure to be back here racing at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal, where we can always count on very enthusiastic support from our fans. Today, we completed the usual Friday programme, revolving around finalising the car set-up for Sunday's race and comparing the two types of Bridgestone tyre at our disposal. Michael and Felipe used one set of tyres each, accumulating a lot of valuable data which will now be studied by the engineers. I would say it's too early for a completely clear picture to have emerged and we will know more tomorrow."

Michael Schumacher: "As usual on the first day here in Montreal, the track is very slippery and we in particular suffered with quite a significant loss of grip.
 

"We were not quick enough and we have to study the data to see how to improve. Obviously the gap separating us from our rivals today is a big one, but we know the situation can change rapidly. It's down to us to work hard as all the changes will be working in our favour."

Felipe Massa: "It was quite a difficult day. Today I concentrated mainly on studying the behaviour of one of the two types of tyre Bridgestone has brought here for us. Track conditions and temperatures made life difficult, a bit similar to what happened in Monaco a month ago. Now we have to work out how to improve the situation, taking into account that the grip which was lacking today, should come good tomorrow bit by bit as the cars run on the track. But I am still confident for the rest of the weekend."

Ross Brawn: "Today we did not manage to get the tyres operating at their best for various reasons. The track was still very dirty and temperatures were lower than we had expected. In a way we find ourselves back in the same situation we were in on the Thursday at the Monaco Grand Prix, especially as the type of tyre we have here is similar to the one we had in Monte Carlo. It should get hotter tomorrow and Sunday, the track will improve and, as a consequence, I expect our situation to improve. The cars had no particular problems today and there is no reason why we can't be optimistic."

Free practice - First session: Michael Schumacher: 4th 1.18.994 5 laps chassis 254; Felipe Massa: 16th 1.23.179 5 laps chassis 250; Temperatures: air 19 °C, track 23 °C

Free practice - Second session: Michael Schumacher: 15th 1.18.549 17 laps chassis 254; Felipe Massa: 22nd 1.19.099 14 laps chassis 250; Temperatures: air 21/22 °C, track 32/34 °C