Canada: Montreal Track Facts

By Phil Huff
June 22 2006

The first of two North American races happens this Sunday, as the Canadian Grand Prix takes its turn on the F1 calendar at the temporary circuit situated on Ile Notre-Dame - a man-made island in the middle of the St Lawrence Seaway, close to central Montreal.

Set amongst lakes and parkland pavilions used in the Expo '67, and alongside the 1976 Olympic Games rowing basin, this unusual track has frequently been the scene of high drama, with Nigel Mansell famously throwing away a huge lead on the last lap when he stalled waving to the crowd.

The nature of the circuit, with its long fast straights and tight hairpins makes it a favourite of many drivers, and offers a number of genuine overtaking opportunities, although a first corner collision is an almost forgone conclusion.

Few of the team engineers and mechanics will share the enthusiasm as, in addition to hefty repairs, the medium downforce circuit is extremely hard on engines, gearboxes and brakes, giving it a justifiable reputation for being a real car-breaker.

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) and have been on the podium eight times. Jenson Button secured third place in 2004, but retired from pole position last year after arranging a meeting with the wall. Team mate Takuma Sato had an eventful race, retiring twice! A gearbox issue put the Japanese driver out, but a 27 minute pitstop returned him to the action. Sadly, a brake problem then put him out for good.