The Canadian Grand Prix, which is part of the Formula One World Championship, takes place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The circuit is named after Canadian racing driver Gilles Villeneuve, who achieved success in Formula One in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a temporary street circuit that is set up each year on the Île Notre-Dame, a man-made island in the St. Lawrence River. Here are some key facts about the track:
- Length: The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is 4.361 kilometers (2.71 miles) long.
- Turns: The circuit has 14 turns, including several chicanes and a hairpin turn.
- Top speed: Drivers can reach speeds of up to 335 kph (208 mph) on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, particularly on the long straightaways.
- History: The Canadian Grand Prix has been held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since 1978, with the exception of a few years when the race was held at other locations in Canada.
- Challenge: The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is known for being a challenging track, with a mix of high-speed sections and tight corners. The walls are also very close to the track, which can make mistakes particularly costly.
- Atmosphere: The Canadian Grand Prix is known for having a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere, with fans from around the world coming to Montreal to watch the race and enjoy the city's nightlife.
Overall, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a popular and well-regarded track on the Formula One circuit, with its mix of high-speed sections, challenging corners, and unique location on a temporary street circuit.