The fast, long straights, the hairpins and the chicanes of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve positively encourage passing.

BBC: McLaren distractions can boost Schumi

Kubica, who suffered a high-speed crash at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last year, came closest to toppling Hamilton as he clocked 1:18.498 with just seconds left.

BBC: Hamilton takes Canadian GP pole

Vettel concurred with both Hamilton and Button on how enjoyable it was to race at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

CNN: Hamilton sets pace in Canada qualifying