Five themes to watch for in the Canadian GP

AUTOSPORT picks out the five key themes to keep an eye on in a potentially epic Canadian Grand Prix

HAMILTON'S TYRE HOPES

Only three drivers in the top 10 qualified on the prime tyre – the two Red Bulls and Robert Kubica. That means that Lewis Hamilton is planning either to blast away at such a rate at the start that he can pit without getting wedged behind any of the prime-shod cars outside the top 10, or fluke a timely safety car later in the race. In what should be a two-stop race (or even three for some), there's no question that a prime-prime-options strategy is the quickest, but with safety cars nigh on unavoidable on race day things might not go to plan for everyone, or indeed anyone... But Hamilton definitely needs a few favourable cards to be dealt his way to convert pole into victory.

RED BULL RIVALRY

Mark Webber has outqualified team-mate Sebastian Vettel for the fourth race in a row. Coming off the back of their mutual annihilation act in the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago, it's proof that the Australian isn't going to let his stunning run of form be derailed by the fallout from that incident. The pair have been given a very clear instruction – don't let it happen again – and both are sure to be particularly circumspect if they get near each other on track. So there's no chance of a repeat performance... is there? With both determined to make a point, it could be a fascinating battle that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

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