AT&T Williams F1

2008 Formula 1 Grand Prix Du Canada

About Canada

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 complete opposite in 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 8. 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 first gear at just 88km/h. 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 13 corners around the lap, the circuit is notoriously hard on brakes (temperatures can reach up to 1000°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 2,000 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.