Formula One news

Canadian Grand Prix snapshot

Located on the Ile Notre Dame, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a wholly different proposition to the previous race in Monte Carlo and demands a completely different set-up direction and a return to optimum aero efficiency. Above all, Montréal is a power track. 

The 4.361km lap is driven at an average of 200km/h with top speeds peaking at 320km/h on the start-finish straight where throttles will be fully open for 15 seconds going into Turn 2. As such, engine power and durability will be deciding variables this weekend. 

Sufficient torque to power the car out of the corners will also be key as the high speed straights are met by a combination of slow and medium speed corners, the slowest of which being L'Epingle hairpin taken in second gear at just 65mph. Low downforce settings for the straights must therefore be complemented by medium grip levels and a well balanced set-up for good cornering capability to achieve a quick lap time. 

With a total of 15 corners around the lap, the circuit is notoriously hard on brakes (temperatures can reach up to 1,000°C during the race) so the teams bring bespoke brakes and pads to Montréal which can withstand the high wear levels and temperatures. The stop-start nature of the circuit also places considerable demands on the gearbox as up to 3,500 changes can be made during the 70-lap race. 

Combined with Montréal's imposing kerbs and the unforgiving run-off areas, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve invariably claims a number of casualties, but the fans' enthusiasm is always rewarded with an exciting Canadian Grand Prix.

more news

• 08 Nov.
  • Hamilton learned a lot in 2009
• 07 Nov.
  • Alonso enjoys first Ferrari factory visit
  • Brawn looking forward to Senna debut
• 06 Nov.
  • Follow GPUpdate.net on Twitter!
  • Wind tunnel operator sues Force India
  • Toyota-assisted Kobayashi eyeing Lotus seat
  • Sutil: Abu Dhabi 'a shame' for Force India
  • Lee McKenzie's End of Season Review 2009
  • Lotus wanting experienced drivers
  • Anthony Hamilton: Räikkönen the best option for McLaren
• 05 Nov.
  • Renault decision to come in December
  • GPUpdate TV: Vettel receives sports car prize
  • Ecclestone: 2 days for Silverstone to sign
  • Etihad and Aldar to pay damages to Force India
  • 'F1 organisers to blame for lost teams' - Ferrari
  • Hülkenberg to test Williams next month
• 04 Nov.
  • FIA warns again: Credit crunch will win
  • Renault holds emergency meeting about F1 future
  • FOTA thanks Toyota's Howett
  • Ekström beats Schumacher for Race of Champions
  • Hülkenberg targeting Barrichello pace
  • Photos: Race of Champions 2009
  • Pirelli not interested in F1
  • Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
  • Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
  • Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
  • An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
• 03 Nov.
  • 'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
  • Red Bull to announce engine partner 'very shortly'
  • Schumacher: Comeback was for Felipe
  • Trulli on lookout for clear racing rules
  • Räikkönen too expensive, says Brawn
  • Horner aware of 2010 challengers
  • Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
• 02 Nov.
  • Brawn thanks Barrichello for contribution
  • Kubica to drive in French rally
  • 2010: The grid so far
  • Alonso won't drive Ferrari until February
  • Williams confirms Barrichello and Hülkenberg for 2010
  • Optimism at Renault for next year

Homepage