Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Home of the Canadian Grand Prix on Notre Dame Island since 1978.

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The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a 4.361 km (2.710 mi) motor racing circuit located on Notre Dame Island in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It serves as the primary venue for the FIA Formula One Canadian Grand Prix and has hosted numerous other series including Champ Car, NASCAR, and the World Sportscar Championship. Originally named the Île Notre-Dame Circuit when built in 1978, it was renamed in 1982 to honor Gilles Villeneuve following his fatal accident earlier that year. Situated within Parc Jean-Drapeau, the track runs alongside the Olympic Basin and features a unique layout combining high-speed straights with technical chicanes.

Quick Facts

Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Capacity: 100,000
Owner: City of Montreal
Broke ground: 1978
Opened: 6 October 1978
Architect: Roger Peart
Former names: Île Notre-Dame Circuit (1978–1982)
Layout: Grand Prix Circuit (2002–present)

Lore & Background

The circuit was constructed in 1978 to replace Mosport Park, which had safety concerns leading up to the 1977 event. Before moving to Montreal, the Canadian Grand Prix had been held at Mont-Tremblant in 1968 and 1970, and at Mosport on eight occasions. The decision to move the race to the new venue on Notre Dame Island was driven by these safety issues. In 1982, following the death of Gilles Villeneuve, the track was renamed in his honor; he is also the father of Jacques Villeneuve. The location holds historical significance as much of Notre Dame Island was built for Expo 67, with Saint Helen's Island nearby hosting the Biosphere remnant. Over the winter of 2018–19, the paddock area that had been in use since 1988 was demolished and replaced. The track has evolved from a technical circuit with medium-speed chicanes into a power-focused layout where straight-line speed is prioritized.

Reader's Guide

Drivers must navigate tight barriers that often catch out even experienced racers. The most famous hazard is the wall at the exit of the final chicane before the start/finish straight, nicknamed the 'Wall of Champions.' In 1999, three World Champions—Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve—along with FIA GT champion Ricardo Zonta, crashed into this wall. Jenson Button (2009) and Sebastian Vettel (2011) also became victims in subsequent years.

The circuit features the Senna 'S' at turns 1 and 2, a quick kink known as Pont de la Concorde at Turn 8, and a challenging 180° hairpin at Turn 10 where overtaking is common due to engine differences. In 1994, a chicane was inserted between Casino corner and the hairpin after fatal crashes at Imola, though this was removed in 1996 when the layout was changed to create a straight run from the hairpin. The pitlane exit was modified in 2002 for safety, shortening the circuit.

In 2017, additional Tecpro barriers replaced older tire barriers, and the angle of the final chicane exit was altered due to FIA safety concerns.

Did You Know?

In 2011, the Canadian Grand Prix became the longest Formula One race ever held, lasting over four hours due to a massive rain delay.
In 2006, Formula One cars were consistently 5 to 7 seconds faster per lap than Champ Car cars on the exact same track layout.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series held its first race north of the US border here in 2007, with Kevin Harvick winning a controversial event where Robby Gordon claimed victory.