Stadium and Wall of Champions, what Montreal drivers think

The Gilles-Villeneuve circuit located in Montreal (Canada) awaits the competitors of the world championship of Formula 1 for the seventh round of the 2018 season (June 8-10). Traced on Notre-Dame Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, it offers an unusual challenge to pilots; the proximity of the walls could compare it to Monaco, but the high speeds bring it closer to more traditional circuits.

The Canadian circuit is special that it is open to traffic the rest of the year. Residents can walk there, go out on bikes or rollerblades, while passing cars, which fortunately drive at a fast pace.

Each sector of the 4,361 km circuit has its specificities. For Max Verstappen (Red Bull), the first turns give the impression of evolving “in a stadium. There is a great atmosphere, the stands are close and often full of spectators. This makes the departure special. »

Romain Grosjean (Haas) appreciates the following sequence. “We go there at medium speed, while brushing against the walls. This is the most difficult section », estimates the Frenchman, who will have to watch his brakes. “Montreal is very strict with the brakes. In general, we want to save the pads at the start of the race, and avoid overheating them. This way, they are efficient at the end of the effort, to attack. »

The Quebec circuit is especially famous for its final chicane, which arrives at the end of a long straight where the cars will exceed 300 km/h. « The brakes may be slightly cooled after all that hard going, continues Max Verstappen. This means you have to be careful and get the maneuver right every turn, because it then prepares you for the chicane exit, where you skim the wall. Whether you go a millimeter or a centimeter from the wall doesn't change anything, you should above all avoid tapping. »

This passage has acquired its letters of nobility over the editions. How ? By attracting experienced pilots like Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, the public star Jacques Villeneuve, or Sebastian Vettel. The wall bordering the track has even been renamed “Wall of Champions” over the years !

Kevin Magnussen (Haas) reminds us that the chicane is a crucial place, especially in qualifying. “We arrive there after having done almost the entire circuit, the pressure to negotiate this sequence well is significant. It's always braking where you can try to catch up after a missed lap. »

“It’s a real test for the driver and the car, confirm Fernando Alonso (McLaren), who will celebrate his 300th F1 Grand Prix across the Atlantic. Montreal offers the best possible combination between a great circuit, the challenges inherent to an urban track and precisely a pleasant city to visit. »

The atmosphere is also one of the most pleasant aspects of this round according to Esteban Ocon (ForceIndia). “It seems like Montreal is turning into a giant motorsport festival. You can feel the energy and impatience of the GP everywhere in the streets. »