Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve (The Ultimate guide)

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve map

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is the home of the Canadian Grand Prix. The circuit is named after Canadian racing legend Gilles Villeneuve, who was a two-time Formula One World Championship runner-up and won six Grand Prix races before his tragic death in 1982.

Table of Contents

Watch this video to learn more about Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

History and Construction of the Circuit

Motorsports in Montreal has a long history, dating back to the late 1800s. The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve was constructed in 1978 and first hosted the Canadian Grand Prix in 1978. The circuit underwent a series of renovations and upgrades over the years, with the most recent being a complete repaving of the track in 2018.

The circuit’s layout is 4.361 km long with 14 turns and a straight of 1.2 km. The circuit is known for its challenging chicanes, tight hairpin turns, and long straightaways.

Circuit Guide

First Grand Prix

1978

Number of Laps

70

Circuit Length

4.361km

Race Distance

305.27km

Lap Record

1:13.078 Valtteri Bottas (2019)

Famous features of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

  • The “Wall of Champions” is a notorious barrier on the track, which has claimed the cars of multiple Formula One World Champions.
  • The “Senna Chicane” is named after the late Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, who won the Canadian Grand Prix six times.
  • The “Paddock Club” is a VIP area offering exclusive access to the pit lane, paddock, and team garages.
  • The “Grandstands” offer seating options with views of the start/finish line, pit lane, and the famous “Wall of Champions”.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve map

Racing at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

Racing at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans alike. The circuit is known for its challenging layout and design, featuring a mix of high-speed straights and tight turns. 

One of the most famous features of the circuit is the “Wall of Champions,” a concrete barrier on the outside of the final turn that has claimed the cars of several world champions over the years. The circuit also features a long straight where drivers can reach high speeds, providing an opportunity for overtaking. The Canadian Grand Prix is a highlight of the Formula One World Championship and is one of the most popular races on the calendar. 

Notable races and moments in the circuit’s history include Gilles Villeneuve’s emotional home victory in 1978, Michael Schumacher’s record-breaking 7th Canadian Grand Prix win in 2004, and Lewis Hamilton’s dramatic last-lap win in 2018.

The circuit also hosts other motorsports events such as the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NTT IndyCar Series. The circuit’s facilities and amenities for spectators, teams and media, including grandstand seating, VIP hospitality packages, pit lane walks, and behind-the-scenes tours, make it a great place for fans to enjoy a race.

Compared to others Formula 1 circuits

RaceCircuitCircuit lengthRace distanceLaps
Monaco Grand PrixCircuit de Monaco3.337km260.286km78
Dutch Grand PrixCircuit Zandvoort4.259km306.648km72
Austrian Grand PrixRed Bull Ring4.318km306.452km71
Mexican Grand PrixAutodromo Hermanos Rodrígues4.304km305.354km71
Brazilian Grand PrixAutodromo Jose Carlos Pace4.309km305.879km71
Canadian Grand PrixCircuit Gilles-Villeneuve4.361km305.270km70
Hungarian Grand PrixHungaroring4.381km306.630km70
Spanish Grand PrixCircuit de Barcelona-Catalunya4.655km307.104km66
Singapore Grand PrixMarina Bay Street Circuit5.063km308.706km61
Australian Grand PrixMelbourne Grand Prix Circuit – Albert Park5.303km307.574km58
Bahrain Grand PrixBahrain International Circuit5.412km308.238km57
Miami Grand PrixMiami International Autodrome5.410km308.37km57
Chinese Grand PrixShanghai International Circuit5.451km305.066km56
United States Grand PrixCircuit of the Americas5.513km308.405km56
Abu Dhabi Grand PrixYAS Marina Circuit5.554km305.355km55
French Grand PrixCircuit Paul Ricard5.842km309.690km53
Italian Grand PrixAutodromo Nazionale Monza5.793km306.720km53
Las Vegas Grand PrixLas Vegas Street Circuit6.120km305.880km50
Japanese Grand PrixSuzuka International Racing Course5.807km307.471km53
British Grand PrixSilverstone Circuit5.891km306.198km52
Azerbaijan Grand PrixBaku City Circuit6.003km306.049km51
Saudi Arabia Grand PrixJeddah Corniche Circuit6.175km308.750km50
Belgian Grand PrixCircuit de Spa-Francorchamps7.004km308.052km44

Facilities and Amenities

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve offers a variety of facilities and amenities for spectators, teams, and media. These include grandstand seating, VIP hospitality packages, pit lane walks, and behind-the-scenes tours. 

The circuit also has a variety of food and beverage options, merchandise shops, and entertainment options. There are also a number of hotels and transportation options located nearby.

Winners at the Canadian Grand Prix

These are the drivers who’ve won the Canadian Grand Prix in previous years (from 2010-2022):

  • 2010: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
  • 2011: Jenson Button (McLaren-Mercedes)
  • 2012: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
  • 2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
  • 2014: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing)
  • 2015: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2016: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2017: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2018: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
  • 2019: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
  • 2020: No Race
  • 2021:  No Race
  • 2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

How to Buy Tickets for the Canadian Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix offers a variety of ticket options, including grandstand seating and hospitality packages. Tickets can be purchased on the official circuit website or through authorized ticketing agents. Prices vary depending on seating location and package options, with early bird discounts and promotions often available. 

It is recommended to purchase tickets early, as they can sell out quickly. When buying tickets, it’s important to consider the location of the seating and the view it offers of the track. It’s also important to be aware of any deadlines for purchasing tickets and the refund, exchange and cancellation policy for the tickets.

How to Bet on the Canadian Grand Prix

Betting on the Canadian Grand Prix is a popular way for fans to add excitement to the race. There are a variety of ways to bet on the race, including predicting the winner, the top finishers, and the fastest lap. 

It is important to research the teams and drivers and consider factors such as their past performance, the car’s performance, and the track conditions. It is also important to use a reputable betting site and be aware of any laws or restrictions in your country regarding online betting.

Frequently asked questions about Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

What types of motorsports events are held at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve?

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve hosts the Canadian Grand Prix as part of the Formula One World Championship, as well as other motorsports events such as the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NTT IndyCar Series.

What amenities and facilities are available at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve?

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve offers a variety of facilities and amenities for spectators, teams, and media, including grandstand seating, VIP hospitality packages, pit lane walks, and behind-the-scenes tours. There are also a variety of food and beverage options, merchandise shops, and entertainment options available.

Can I buy tickets to watch the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve?

Yes, you can buy tickets to watch the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The tickets can be purchased on the official circuit website or through authorized ticketing agents. The tickets offer a variety of seating locations and package options, with early bird discounts and promotions often available. It is recommended to purchase tickets early, as they can sell out quickly. When buying tickets, it's important to consider the location of the seating and the view it offers of the track. It's also important to be aware of any deadlines for purchasing tickets and the refund, exchange and cancellation policy for the tickets.

Conclusion

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is an iconic motorsports venue and an important part of Canada’s motorsports history. The circuit offers a challenging and exciting track for drivers, as well as a variety of amenities and facilities for fans. With its rich history and exciting races, the Canadian Grand Prix continues to be a popular event on the Formula One World Championship calendar.

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