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![]() ![]() Grand Prix du Canada Circuit de Gilles Villenuve, Montreal, Canada Race Distance: 70 laps, 305.270 km The Canadian GP is held on Isle Notre Dame in Montreal at Circuit de Gille Villeneuve. For most of the year, the course is a simple road that follows the shape of the island's park. But for one week of the year, it's converted into one of Formula 1's fastest courses. The most (in)famous part of the track is known as the "Wall of Champions", a barrier on the exit of the final chicane leading to the front straight that's taken several past F1 champs out of the race. Ironically, the wall is labeled "Bienvenue au Québec" (Welcome to Quebec). Tire strategy shaped the 2012 contest, with Alonso out front on demolished tires at the end of the race getting passed by those who pit for new rubber. Hamilton finally took a win, with Grosjean and Perez inheriting podium finishes as Vettel and Alonso drop back on old tires. Rain mixes up qualifying, but Vettel shows he's still the world's best over a single lap by taking the top spot. Vettel shares the front row with Hamilton, but it's Bottas placing 3rd in the Williams that surprises the field. Raikkonen and Ricciardo violate the blend lines on pit-exit, earning them both 2 spot penalties. The top 10 in Canada: VET HAM BOT ROS WEB ALO VER SUT RAI* RIC* HUL PER * 2-spot penalties for pit-exit violations It's the Vettel of 2012 that showed up for this seasons Canadian GP as he puts in a dominant drive from pole position to win with ease. This was one of the few remaining tracks Vettel had never won at having thrown the win away on the last lap in the rain in 2011. Alonso comes from 6th place to take 2nd in another impressive drive. Hamilton slips one spot from 2nd to take the last place on the podium. Bottas' great qualifying position is undefensible in the slower Williams, and he ends in 14th out of the points.
Grand Prix du Canada Circuit de Gilles Villenuve, Montreal, Canada ![]() ![]() |