Canadian Formula One Grand Prix
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is named after the French-Canadian superstar who was tragically killed in an accident while qualifying his Ferrari at the Zolder Circuit in Belgium. The circuit is on a man-made island in the St Lawrence River, on the site originally constructed for the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
The Canadian Grand Prix has been held in the city of Montreal since 1978, despite the fact that the circuit was purpose-built, in many ways it has the atmosphere of a street circuit, partly because of the tracks limited run-off areas and partly due to the majestic backdrop of the skyscrapers of downtown Montreal. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is faster than any other street circuit and its 2.71 mile lap is a constant challenge to the teams and their drivers. There are 15 corners in total, of which 6 are chicane-type complexes. There is also a long and very fast back straight running from the Virage Du Casino to the start/finish area, which provides one of the most enthralling hard braking and tight turn-in sections, at its pit-lane entrance end, here, drivers 'kiss the wall' at the exit, getting as close as possible to the unyielding concrete that bears the legend 'Wall of Champions'. |
CIRCUIT GILLES VILLENEUVE
LOCATION: Montreal, Canada
CIRCUIT TYPE: Purpose-built city
CIRCUIT LENGTH: 2.71 Miles
LAP RECORD: 1:13.622 - R.Barrichello 2004
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