LG have been a major partner of Formula 1 since January 2009 as the Official Data Processor of Formula 1. LG are identified and credited on the official live timing service at Formula One events and in the associated timing and data TV graphics.

Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve is the LG ambassador for the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2010. Canadian-born Jacques raced in Formula 1 from 1996 to 2006. He finished runner-up in the drivers’ standing for his debut year and became World Champion the following season with the Williams team. His 10-year career in the sport saw Jacques compete with three other teams, scoring 23 podiums including 11 Grands Prix wins.

Like most racing drivers, I always keep an eye on Formula 1 and make a point of watching the races as often as I can. It’s especially poignant at the moment, as I hope to be back in the championship in 2011.

It is unfortunate then that the Spanish GP was as dull and boring a race as ever! Barcelona has always struggled to produce exciting races; the layout of the track simply doesn’t lend itself to overtaking.

Having said that, until Lewis retired, there were four world champions running in the top six, which is pretty special. It also goes to show how crucial experience is around this track. It’s pretty interesting for the championship standings too; all four champions are in the top nine.

There’s been a great start of the season to have so many drivers in the standings within a few points of each other. The top seven is covered by 21-points, which means any of these guys could come away leading the championship if they win the next race.

But, let’s get back to Barcelona and its lack of overtaking. The circuit is downforce-dependent, with little braking, so it’s very hard to pass anyone. The layout of the track is such that cars rely mostly on aerodynamics and with engine revs limited, it’s hard to make the most of a tow.

If you look at other tracks however, rather than focus on the negative, you can see that there have been some brilliant races this year. Australia and China were as dramatic as they come with drivers fighting so hard up and down the field that they had everyone on the edge of their seats!

You only need to think back over a few years to see that Formula 1 has always been like that really. Bahrain and Barcelona, for example, have always held less overtaking than other races. But in this day and age, there is such a pressure for everything to always be exciting…

The Canadian GP should be more exciting thankfully. Montreal is a very difficult, very specific track with long straight lines and tight chicanes. There is always something going on and the layout is made for good racing, with low cornering speeds encouraging overtaking. Good mechanical grip there is key.

Monaco is also exciting; not just because of the racing itself – admittedly overtaking is rare there too – but the environment makes up for it! The entire setting is one of a kind with style and glamour mixed with the ultimate in technology. Every driver will tell you the same thing: if you’re going to win one Formula 1 race, this has to be it.

Qualifying is really important there of course, but I would say staying out of trouble during the race is just as vital, if not more. The walls are so close that mistakes are easily made and there are always upsets during the race. It’s one of the few places where simply finishing can bring its rewards, with so many drivers likely to retire. So we could see a few new teams and rookies do well there, simply by driving a clean race.

Driver-wise, I think there have been enough races to see who is going to shine this year and I’m happy to admit that I am a big fan of Fernando. He is impressive and has been so ever since he came to F1. I also think Jenson is having a really good season; he’s been racing brilliantly and is using his car really well. And we saw Michael finally getting back into things in Barcelona; he is always one to watch.