Canadian Grand Prix
The Canadian Grand Prix has existed since 1961, becoming officially part of
the Formula One Championship Series seven years later. Also known as Grand Prix
du Canada, it has been a highly expected event in Montreal for the past three
decades, with nonstop street parties attended not only by the fans and city
locals, but also by the famous drivers of the Formula 1 series.
The race has been held in Mosport Park in Ontario, later moving to the Circuit
Mont Tremblant in Quebec then back to Mosport Park, alternating venues until a
seemingly permanent run in Mosport from 1971 to 1977. A year later, the Canadian
Grand Prix moved to Montreal, on a man-made island named Parc Jean-Drapeau on
the Île Notre-Dame.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was built onto the island, especially for the
Canadian Grand Prix. Even if the roads are specially made for auto racing, the
site is a popular track all through the rest of the year, as cyclists and
joggers use it for exercise, as well as locals who enjoy a peaceful walk on the
Parc Jean-Drapeau. Once the Canadian Grand Prix comes to town, it's a different
story, transforming into action, noise and excitement as the Circuit Gilles
Villeneuve is known as one of the fastest and most challenging circuits in the
Formula 1 GP.
Walls are found built close to the track, and many drivers manage to get caught
out by the walls throughout the years, including Fernando Alonso hitting the
wall on Turn 5. The most popular wall in the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the
famous wall bearing the greeting, "Bienvenue au Québec," or Welcome to Québec,
know nicknamed "The Wall of Champions." In 1999, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher
and Jacques Villeneuve all retired from the race after colliding with the Québec
wall in the same race.
The circuit is named for Gilles Villeneuve of Québec, the winner of the first
Canadian Grand Prix staged at Montreal in 1978, a few weeks after he died while
qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix in 1982. Gilles is also the father of F1
champ Jacques Villeneuve, a favorite in his hometown, despite not yet claiming a
Canadian victory in his career.
Michael Schumacher dominates Canadian Grand Prix history with seven wins since
1994. He and his brother Ralf have taken the 1st and 2nd places twice; first in
2001 when Ralf won the Canadian Grand Prix, and again in 2003, with Michael
winning. Highly revered yet unfortunate driver Jean Alesi won his only GP in
Canada in 1995, which some call the most memorable Canadian Grand Prix ever.
Other winners include Nelson Piquet, who won three times, and Jacky Ickx, Jackie
Stewart, Alan Jones and Ayrton Senna, who all won two times each. The 2007
Canadian Grand Prix champion was rookie Lewis Hamilton.
Québec is only a 45 minute drive from New York, but you must inquire into
securing car passes from the organisers as you may find yourself without a place
to park. You can also use the taxi, as they are not expensive. Montreal-Trudeau
airport is a 30 minute drive to the city.
With the street parties in full force during the Canadian Grand Prix, the best
means of travel to the circuit is by the metro; Jean-Drapeau station is a short
distance from the Île Notre-Dame. Walking to the Grand Prix is also part of the
street party experience, as is walking from the circuit after the races are over
and into the first party on Rue Ste Catherine that you may find.
The most expensive
Canadian Grand Prix tickets are usually at the choice
locations on the grandstand – by the start-finish line, in front of Turn 1 and
the hairpin, but also depending on the time of day. Still, a general admission
ticket for three days of the Canadian Grand Prix are quite affordable and still
offer great views.
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