Renovation work for the Canadian GP
#1
Posted 23 February 2008 - 13:32
Montreal's Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, site of the Canadian Grand Prix, will be undergoing a small make-over. The announcement follows confirmation of a government grant dedicated to partial reconstruction of the paddock area, with the work to be completed in time for the June race.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had declared last year that upgrades were required to bring the facilities up to par. His comments were in line with the opinions of several drivers and press delegates, who also expressed discontent with the paddock and team areas. Additional space has become a necessity over the last few years with somewhat congested settings and narrow paddock lane making for close quarters indeed.
"I am happy to announce that the letters are ready and that all is confirmed," said Raymond Bachand, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism for the Province of Québec, regarding an allotment worth two million dollars.
"Right from the start, when I knew that Bernie Ecclestone had made a sine qua non condition of it, I took the decision: we had to give a hand to the Grand Prix," reports Montreal daily La Presse. "It's the most important tourist attraction in Québec and Canada."
The proposed plan aims at installing additional floating platforms on the basin that once served for the 1976 Olympic games in order to augment the available square footage, relocate the media centre, and allow for a new press cafeteria.
The city of Montreal will also participate in the renovation work by pouring nearly a million dollars into the garage area. In addition, a large generator will be set up to feed power to the paddock, in replacement of a series of smaller generators – a move that should also free up space.
More money should be on the way, indicated Jean-Pierre Blackburn, the Canadian government's Minister of the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Québec.
"There is a clear will to help the Grand Prix and I am convinced we will find a solution to iron out the last obstacles," he stated, speaking of a 1.25-million dollar grant.
The Canadian Grand Prix, which will be celebrating its 30th edition on the famous Gilles-Villeneuve circuit this year, generates approximately 80 million dollars into the local economy.
With the disappearance of the US race, Canada will be Formula One's only event in North America.
Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International
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#2
Posted 23 February 2008 - 19:42
Last time they cut those high kerbs
and some quotes from wiki;
In 1999 the wall, which has on it the slogan Bienvenue au Québec ("Welcome to Quebec") giving it the nickname "Mur du Québec" (Quebec Wall), ended the race of three Formula One World Champions, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher & Jacques Villeneuve along with FIA GT champion Ricardo Zonta. Since then the wall has been nicknamed "The Wall Of Champions". In recent years Jenson Button (2005) and Vitantonio Liuzzi (2007) have also fallen victim to the wall. Fernando Alonso 2005/06 F1 World Champion and Nico Rosberg have also both hit the wall at turn 5. Juan Pablo Montoya has also hit a wall on the circuit.
and video from tube;
#3
Posted 23 February 2008 - 20:20
#4
Posted 23 February 2008 - 20:33
I don`t see it being mentioned here.
#5
Posted 24 February 2008 - 20:35