Canada: Montreal Track Facts


Track Facts

By Phil Huff (12/06/2003)
June 12 2003

The Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve is built on the Ile Notre-Dame, a man-made island in the St Lawrence Seaway. Originally the circuit was also called Ile Notre-Dame but was renamed in 1982 after the death of Gilles Villeneuve at Zolder. The Canadian Grand Prix has been the scene of many dramas over the years. In 1997 the race was stopped after Olivier Panis crashed heavily, breaking both legs.

The 1998 race saw many accidents, the most dramatic being Alex Wurz’s Benetton barrel-rolling through the first chicane.

1999 had the most surprising incidents as three World Champions (Jacques Villeneuve, Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher) all hit the wall at the last corner, earning it the nickname 'The Wall of Champions'.

Race Distance
Circuit Length
Race Start		 70 laps, 189.694 miles (305.270km)
2.709 miles (4.361km)
13.00 local time (18.00 UK Time)

Honda F1's Canadian Highlights

  • Honda-powered drivers have won at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve four times - Nigel Mansell in 1986, Ayrton Senna in 1988 and 1990 and Gerhard Berger in 1992.

  • Honda has been on the podium seven times in Montreal.

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