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Kobayashi confident of strong showing in Canada

Kamui Kobayashi: 'I think Montreal is one of the places where we can be strong' © Getty Images

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• Drivers:
• Kamui Kobayashi
• |
• Sergio Perez

• Teams:
• Alfa Romeo

Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi believes his team can have a strong weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix and bounce back from the disappointment of Monaco.

Both cars failed to score points in Monaco after Kobayashi became involved in a first corner collision and team-mate Sergio Perez started from the back of the grid after an accident in qualifying. Kobayashi believes the circuit will suit the Sauber and is confident this year's car is stronger than last year's, which finished seventh after running as high as second.

"At the circuit in Montreal there are long straights but also slow corners," he said. "I think our car seems to be okay for this. I hope there we can have the performance we want to see. Last year I was second on the grid for the re-start after the red flag for the wet conditions, but then we suffered with tyre warm up problems and I am sure we have definitely improved on that with this year's car. We shall have to see what we can do, but I think Montreal is one of the places where we can be strong.

"In case it is cold there, a key will be how the tyres work. I really like the city and the track, although, unfortunately, I have never had a great result there. This year I want to make up for this. Our car is getting better and I'm looking forward to the Canadian Grand Prix."

Perez has not scored any points since his second-place finish in Malaysia and is hoping his luck will change.

"It will be my first Canadian Grand Prix, as last year I only did a few laps in the first free practice before I realised I did not feel well enough to drive. I felt very dizzy in the car which was a consequence of last year's Monaco accident. I think at times in recent races we have been very unlucky, but the pace is there as my lap times during the Monaco race clearly proved. I'm looking forward to doing a good job in Canada and scoring as many points as possible. It is a fast and fluid circuit on which you are often close to the wall - challenging and exciting."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.