A first sketch for the new paddock in Montreal

Integrated into the world championship since 1967, the Canadian Grand Prix has taken place since 1978 on the Gilles Villeneuve track on Notre-Dame Island in Montreal. The complex had undergone major work in preparation for the 1988 edition, before a new project was started for 2019.

It is this renewal that was outlined yesterday in Canada, when the call for tenders was launched. The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, which manages the island, presented a concept of what the paddock could look like in 2019, with work taking place between July 2018 and April 2019, i.e. after the edition 2018, scheduled for June 7 to 10.

Three levels would be created with the following distribution:

1^er floor: Team garage, control tower and staff premises.
2^e floor: Loges, control tower, podium and media spaces.
3^e floor: Lodges and terrace

In addition to the centralization of various aspects of the paddock (media space, etc.), the objective is to reach a capacity of 5000 seats for the boxes, compared to 1800 currently. « During the work to carry out this project, there will be no impact on users of the Olympic Basin, located behind the paddocks.

Concerning users of the Gilles‑Villeneuve circuit, particularly cyclists, it will be necessary to provide some slowing down measures in this sector, for safety reasons. However, no closure of the circuit caused by this work is planned. » states the press release.

In terms of budget, approximately 31,8 million euros should be spent, including 19,9 million coming from the city of Montreal and a little more than 11,9 million from the government of Quebec.