Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

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Lore & Background

The circuit was constructed in 1978 to replace Mosport Park, which had safety concerns leading up to the 1977 event. Before moving to Montreal, the Canadian Grand Prix had been held at Mont-Tremblant in 1968 and 1970, and at Mosport on eight occasions. The decision to move the race to the new venue on Notre Dame Island was driven by these safety issues. In 1982, following the death of Gilles Villeneuve, the track was renamed in his honor; he is also the father of Jacques Villeneuve. The location holds historical significance as much of Notre Dame Island was built for Expo 67, with Saint Helen's Island nearby hosting the Biosphere remnant. Over the winter of 2018–19, the paddock area that had been in use since 1988 was demolished and replaced. The track has evolved from a technical circuit with medium-speed chicanes into a power-focused layout where straight-line speed is prioritized.

In Their Own Story

In 1978, the first Canadian Grand Prix at this venue saw hometown hero Gilles Villeneuve win for Scuderia Ferrari. The race moved to mid-June in 1982 to ensure warmer weather, having previously taken place in late September. After running uninterrupted for over two decades, the event was dropped from the 2009 calendar and replaced by the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, on November 27, 2009, organizers signed a new five-year contract spanning 2010–2014. The 2011 race became legendary as the longest World Championship Grand Prix ever, lasting over four hours due to a lengthy rain delay. In 2006, Formula One cars were 5 to 7 seconds faster per lap than Champ Car cars on the same track layout.

Reader's Guide

Drivers must navigate tight barriers that often catch out even experienced racers. The most famous hazard is the wall at the exit of the final chicane before the start/finish straight, nicknamed the 'Wall of Champions.' In 1999, three World Champions—Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve—along with FIA GT champion Ricardo Zonta, crashed into this wall. Jenson Button (2009) and Sebastian Vettel (2011) also became victims in subsequent years. The circuit features the Senna 'S' at turns 1 and 2, a quick kink known as Pont de la Concorde at Turn 8, and a challenging 180° hairpin at Turn 10 where overtaking is common due to engine differences. In 1994, a chicane was inserted between Casino corner and the hairpin after fatal crashes at Imola, though this was removed in 1996 when the layout was changed to create a straight run from the hairpin. The pitlane exit was modified in 2002 for safety, shortening the circuit. In 2017, additional Tecpro barriers replaced older tire barriers, and the angle of the final chicane exit was altered due to FIA safety concerns.

Did You Know?

• The 'Wall of Champions' got its name in 1999 when World Champions Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve all crashed into it during the same race.
• In 2011, the Canadian Grand Prix became the longest Formula One race ever held, lasting over four hours due to a massive rain delay.
• The circuit was renamed in 1982 to honor Gilles Villeneuve after his death earlier that year; he had won the inaugural race at this venue in 1978.
• In 2006, Formula One cars were consistently 5 to 7 seconds faster per lap than Champ Car cars on the exact same track layout.
• The NASCAR Nationwide Series held its first race north of the US border here in 2007, with Kevin Harvick winning a controversial event where Robby Gordon claimed victory.