Canadian Grand Prix 2005 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Kimi Raikkonen claimed his third victory of the season with a dominant performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, leading home both Ferraris in a race that saw Jenson Button claim a sensational pole position for BAR. The Finnish driver's Montreal triumph continued his remarkable run of wins when his McLaren actually finished, while championship leader Fernando Alonso suffered a rare retirement, handing Raikkonen a chance to close the points gap in the title race.

Button's pole position lap of 1:15.217 was one of the highlights of BAR's season, showcasing the British driver's qualifying prowess on a circuit that suited the Honda-powered car. However, Button couldn't convert pole into a race victory as Raikkonen's McLaren proved too strong in race trim. Starting from the front rows, Raikkonen made an aggressive start and seized control of the race, managing his Michelin tires brilliantly on Montreal's unique combination of high-speed straights and slow chicanes. His pace was relentless, and he set the fastest lap of 1:14.384, pulling away from the chasing Ferraris to claim a comfortable victory.

Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello secured Ferrari's best result of the season with a one-two finish for second and third places, demonstrating the Scuderia's improving form as they gradually adapted to the tire regulations. The Ferrari F2005 was showing better race pace, though still not enough to challenge the Renaults and McLarens on outright speed. Alonso's retirement was a rare setback in an otherwise consistent campaign, and it allowed Raikkonen to close within touching distance in the championship. However, the Finn's challenge would ultimately be undermined by further mechanical failures in the races ahead. The Canadian Grand Prix highlighted the fundamental contradiction of the 2005 season - Raikkonen had the speed to win the championship, but lacked the reliability; Alonso had the consistency to win it, but not always the outright pace.