A Corner-by-Corner Guide to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

 

A Corner-by-Corner Guide to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

As the Formula 1 circus travels across the Atlantic, Senate Grand Prix is always thrilled to return to the vibrant city of Montreal for the iconic Canadian Grand Prix.

The exciting and now somewhat historic race takes place on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a semi-permanent track built on the man-made Île Notre-Dame.

Sector 1: The Fast Start and Senna's S-Curves

• Turns 1 & 2 (Senna S-Curves): The lap begins with a flat-out blast down the start/finish straight, quickly leading into the demanding Senna S-Curves.

• Turns 3 & 4: Following the S-Curves, drivers navigate another quick left-right sequence.

Sector 2: The Back Straight and Hairpin

• Turn 5: A relatively simple left-hand kink, often taken flat out, leading directly into the first central braking zone of the middle sector.

• Turn 6 (Pont de la Concorde): This is a medium-speed left-hand corner, demanding good braking and a clean line to set up for the following straight. It's often where drivers can gain or lose time if they're not precise.

• Turns 7 & 8: A high-speed left-right chicane that drivers attack with gusto. This section flows incredibly well when perfected, but a slight misjudgment can lead to significant time loss or a trip into the runoff area.

• Turn 9 (Casino Straight): A relatively short straight, where cars quickly build speed before approaching the famous Hairpin.

• Turn 10 (L'Epingle Hairpin): This is the slowest corner on the track, a tight left-hander that is the biggest braking zone of the lap. It's a classic overtaking opportunity and a critical area for tyre management.

Sector 3: The DRS Zone and the Wall of Champions

• Turn 11 (Casino Straight Extension): Following the hairpin, drivers unleash the full power of their engines down the incredibly long back straight. This is a primary DRS zone, meaning speeds here are immense.

• Turns 12 & 13 (Final Chicane): This is one of the most iconic and challenging chicanes in Formula 1. It’s a super-fast left-right flick that demands incredible commitment and precision. Drivers carry immense speed into the braking zone, often kissing (or hitting!) the inside kerbs. A perfect exit is absolutely crucial as it leads directly onto the main straight.

• Turn 14 (The Wall of Champions): The infamous barrier on the exit of Turn 13, often referred to as the "Wall of Champions." Many world champions, including Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve, have ended their races prematurely here after pushing too hard on the exit.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a thrilling test of power, braking, and driver bravery. Its semi-street circuit nature, combined with unforgiving walls, makes for high-stakes racing where perfection is key. Get ready for an action-packed Canadian Grand Prix!