George Russell is targeting a repeat of Mercedes' Spanish Grand Prix double podium in Canada. The Silver Arrows finished two seconds slower than Max Verstappen in a red-flagged Q3 session in treacherous conditions, with temperature management of the Intermediate tyres posing a problem. Russell was seen struggling, while teammate Lewis Hamilton also survived off-track excursions as conditions fluctuated across the hour. But despite the problems, Russell qualified fifth on the grid with Hamilton a place further forward - though both have been promoted a spot after Nico Hulkenberg was penalised post-qualifying - and with the rain set to dissipate for race day, the team is in optimistic mood. "P5 is a good starting position and I see no reason why we can't fight for the double podium again," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.com . "After practice, we probably would have taken P5 because we really struggled. When the track was dry we were more competitive and as it got wet we struggled."
Russell: Signs promising for the race
Russell has insisted the there is a positive outlook for a competitive race for Mercedes after showing strong race pace during long runs in practice on Friday. "Our race pace was really strong. Ferrari look surprisingly competitive in their long run pace, maybe question marks over their fuel load," he said. "We were just a small step behind Verstappen, ahead of Alonso and Perez at least yesterday in FP2 so signs are promising going into the race tomorrow."
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