1) Track:

Length: 4.361 km
Number of Corners: 15
Race lap record: Ralf Schumacher, 1m17.205s, set in 2001
Maximum speed: 320kmh on the back straight after the hairpin

Testing factor: The varying levels of grip during sessions leaves teams with difficult set-up decisions and the bumps around the circuit provide a big challenge for the drivers.

History: The circuit is just minutes from downtown Montreal and was first used in 1978. It was built on the Ile Notre Dame around the site of Expo67 and is a cross between a street circuit and a permanent road course. It runs around the Olympic rowing basin and is surrounded by the water of the St Lawrence River on both sides.


2) Driver results at Montreal:

Most poles: Ayrton Senna (6 - 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001)
Most wins: Michael Schumacher (4 - 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000)


3) Team results at Montreal:

Most poles: Ferrari (6 - 1982, 1983, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001)
Most wins: Williams (7 - 1979, 1980, 1986, 1989, 1993, 1996, 2001) Ferrari (7 - 1978, 1983, 1985, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000)


4) Memorable moments:

Gilles Villeneuve scored a dream home victory in Montreal's first Grand Prix before the circuit adopted his name following his death.

One of the strangest finishes ever witnessed at a Grand Prix completed the 1991 race when leader Nigel Mansell celebrated one lap too early and his Williams coasted to a halt to allow Nelson Piquet to score his last victory for Benetton.

Jean Alesi scored his first, and only, victory in Montreal in 1995 to celebrate his 31st birthday in style before the tears flowed on the podium along with Rubens Barrichello, who had finished second for Jordan.


5) Last year:

Pole: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 1m15.782s
Winner: Ralf Schumacher, Williams-BMW, 1h34m31.522s
Fastest lap: Ralf Schumacher, 1m17.205s
Retirements: 11

Montoya Madness - Juan Pablo Montoya and home favourite Jacques Villeneuve were at loggerheads in the drivers' briefing on Friday and their feud continued all weekend before the former crashed into the wall.

Frentzen Out - Heinz-Harald Frentzen complained of dizziness following his crash in the Monaco Grand Prix and Jordan decided to replace him with reserve driver Ricardo Zonta in Saturday's practice session.

Shining Sensation - Kimi Raikkonen underlined his growing reputation with a fourth place finish. He was only denied his first podium following a coming together with Jordan's Ricardo Zonta.


6) Trivia:

The pits were relocated in 1987 after the Grand Prix was cancelled due to a sponsorship dispute between beer giants Labatt's and Molson.

The Pont de la Concorde, turn seven, has proven to be a dangerous corner after Olivier Panis broke his leg in 1997 and Heinz-Harald Frentzen fractured his knee at the same corner in 1999.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the third home of the Canadian Grand Prix. Mont-Tremblant hosted the 1968 and 1970 races, while Mosport was the home for eight events between 1967 and 1977.