CANADIAN GRAND PRIX Ile Notre-Dame Circuit, Montreal

As of 1978, F1 jouralists boasted about the Ile Notre-Dame Circuit built in the heart of Montreal in a pastoral and futuristic setting easily accessible by subway.

Ile Notre-Dame is an an artifical island built in 10 months from 15 million tons of rock excavated for the Montreal Metro in 1965. It was created for Expo 67 to celebrate Canada's centennial. It is located in the Saint Lawrence River west of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Hair Pin at the Circuit

The track was completed  September 22, 1978. The circuit was modified several times to make it safer and more competitive. It has short straight sections to allow for passing and many sharp turns. Hence brakes and gears are put to the test.

In 1982, Gilles Villeneuve died on the last lap of qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. A few days later the Montreal track was named Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in his honour.

In 2004, the anti-tobacco legislation in effect almost prohibited the event from taking place.