Canadian Grand Prix

With the combination of the fantastic Gilles Villeneuve track and its exceptional nightlife, Montreal has become an annual trip for many motor lovers from all over the world.

The Canadian Grand Prix circuit was built in 1967 on the man-made island, Ile Notre-Dame, in the middle of the St. Lawrence River and was named in honour of the late Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve - father of Jacques Villeneuve.

This year the event celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Canadian Grand Prix combines a mixture of slow and fast corners and demands a lot of the engines as well as the braking systems of the cars.

Montreal literally turns itself over to the Canadian Grand Prix each year.

During the rest of the year the Ile Notre-Dame is a haven of calm, filled with greenery, wildlife, joggers and cyclists.

But when Formula One weekend descends it transforms into the noisiest and most exciting place to be in Quebec.

The circuits most famous feature is the ‘Mur du Quebec' (Quebec Wall) on the outside of the exit of the final chicane.

The wall bears the slogan ‘Bienvenue au Quebec' which means Welcome to Quebec, and has ended race for many a world champion.

During race weekend the city gets consumed with special events and parties, making the annual stopover in Canada one of the most popular with the F1 circus.

Off track

Montreal's charming appeal lies in its old-world atmosphere.

As well as being Quebec's biggest city, Montreal is also regarded as its economic and cultural centre.

Part of Montreal's unique appeal is that it keeps one foot in the past and one in the present, with 19th century churches nestled in the shadows of soaring modern skyscrapers so there is always plenty to see and do for the weekend visitor.

Downtown Montreal sits at the foot of Mount Royal and is mostly a large urban park area surrounded by dozens of skyscrapers.

During the day, the city has all the bustle typical of any North American city - while French-speaking part of Montreal takes pains to retain its linguistic heritage.

The old town of Montreal is a wonderful feast for the senses.

The streets are filled with musicians, restaurants and shops. Dine alfresco, and enjoy the sights and sounds of bonhomie.

The Old Montreal part of the city also has endless streets of historic buildings to explore, including the Notre Dame de Montreal Basilica.

Formula fun
Eighteen cities, nine months, 26 teams, 11 drivers, but just one winner - this is life in the fast lane.

Australian Grand Prix
The Formula One Australian Grand Prix is frequently presented with the award for best organised event by the FIA, which means that both on and off the track - this is an event not to be missed.

Malaysian Grand Prix
The Malaysian Grand Prix may not have been part of the Formula One circuit for long, but Kuala Lumpur boasts a track worthy of hosting both the F1 grand Prix and FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix and one which really raises the standards for all other circuits.

Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.

Spanish Grand Prix
Set in the vibrant Barcelona the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races in the F1 circuit.

Turkish Grand Prix
The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is just a stone's throw away from the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.

Monaco Grand Prix
In the world of major sporting events, nothing can compare to the sheer elegance, glamour and excitement that is arguably Formula One's most prestigious race - the Grand Prix of Monaco.

French Grand Prix
There is something very special about the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.

British Grand Prix
The very first Formula One Grand Prix took place at Silverstone in 1948 on a track marked out with straw bales and large oil drums.

German Grand Prix
Traditionally the German Grand Prix was all about raw horsepower. It was a flat-out blast around a 4.2 mile tree-lined track before it raged into the stadium section that houses the thousands of fans.

Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring circuit is 19km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród.

European Grand Prix
Set along the stunning Mediterranean coast in Spain's third largest city, Valencia, the European Grand Prix is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.

Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is favourite track amongst many drivers.

Italian Grand Prix
For passionate Formula One fans the world over, the Italian Grand Prix is one not to be missed. Few stops along the Formula One route can rival that of Italy's celebrated Grand Prix.

Singapore Grand Prix
There is much anticipation about the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only is it the newest addition to the Formula One calendar, but it is Formula One's first ever night race.

Japanese Grand Prix
Because of the exciting and challenging layout of Fuji Speedway Circuit the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most-loved F1 events of the season.

Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix circuit is like no other, shaped like a letter or character from the Shang (ancient Chinese alphabet), it combines sweeping curves and long straights leading onto hairpin corners, succeeded in making overtaking opportunities possible.

Brazilian Grand Prix
Home to so many heroes of Formula One racing there is something very special about the Brazilian Grand Prix - and it's not just that it's the final race on the annual calendar.

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