Fernando Alonso: Canadian GP an important race for Ferrari

For some time now, the Scuderia have targeted Montreal as an opportunity to take a step forward with their F14 T car, which has generally underperformed in the six races held so far.

Speaking at last month's Spanish GP, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo said he wanted to see an improved performance at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where updates to both the car's aerodynamics and its power unit are set to be unveiled.

"Canada, for sure, is an important race for us," Alonso said in a team preview. "We've been preparing for the race in a very careful manner and I think improving the car on the aero side.

"Also in the simulator, doing a lot of work on the set-up, [we are] trying to arrive in Canada with a better and more competitive car. So let's see what we can do."

Ferrari are currently placed third in the constructors' standings, albeit a massive 162 points behind fellow works outfit Mercedes, with Red Bull 21 points ahead in second place.

Alonso, meanwhile, is 'best of the rest' in the Drivers' Championship, but still trailing Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton with one podium finish in China.

"Obviously, everything we improve is relative and we need to see what our competitors are doing as well, because we need to match what they are doing plus something," he added.

"Hopefully, Canada is the starting point for us with some good points."