A guide to the Gilles Villeneuve Grand Prix Circuit
The Gilles Villeneuve circuits was designed by Roger Peart and is a narrow track that is medium-fast and is 4.421km (2.763mi) in length and has 13 corners. Not much has changed in the track since inception, however, some corners were eased in 1979, a new corner was added in front of the pits in 1991, a chicane was added 1994 and in 2002 the pit lane exit was moved further towards the start line. These changes are minor and were mostly for safety reasons.
The Canadian Grand Prix runs 70 laps, with a total distance of 305.270km (190.793mi). Its mixture of very long straights and tight chicanes, makes it a mix of fast and slow sections for the drivers and very demanding on the engines and brakes. Engine power is key for this race in order to stay ahead, but drivers also need to keep an eye on their gas tank, as fuel consumption is very high for this race.
The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit is known to have a high attrition rate, mostly for technical reasons, as it is considered to be the hardest circuit on brakes after Monza. However, the circuit is well liked by the drivers, because it is one of the few F1 tracks where overtaking is relatively easy, mainly in the hairpin turn and final chicane. This is especially true for those drivers that have mastered the art of outbraking their competition.
Three drivers so far have earned their first career Grand Prix wins at the Canadian Grand Prix: Canadian Gilles Villeneuve in 1978, Brit Thierry Boutsen in 1989 and Frenchman Jean Alesi in 1995. So far though, it is Michael Schumacher who has stepped onto the winner's podium in the Canadian Grand Prix with six wins. For those spectators that have access to corporate packages, don't miss the F1 Restaurant (special access required), which boasts not only excellent cuisine, but fabulous views onto the starting line as well as the infamous Senna turn.
Other than the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit hosts the Molson Indy in August. During the summer, the Île de Notre Dame is a favorite hang out for cyclists and rollerbladers. The track is located right next to the Olympic rowing lanes, which are used to host numerous special events and major sport competitions throughout the year.