Changes made to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to boost overtaking | 2019 Canadian GP. Changes made to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to boost overtaking.

The Canadian Grand Prix track has been altered in a bid to boost overtaking ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

One of the circuit’s best opportunities for overtaking is the run down into the turn 10 hairpin, and the following straight. So it will come as pleasant news to the drivers to hear that the entry to turn 10 has been widened, allowing greater scope for overtaking.

The FIA’s circuit notes state that: ‘The opening after Turn 10 on drivers right has been significantly widened and extended. With more lines to take exiting the corner, it could well tempt more drivers to attempt a move at Turn 10, before engaging in a drag race all the way down the long straight before hitting the final chicane.’ – the FIA inform.

At the same time, Canadian Grand Prix promoter Francois Dumontier says finishing the new pit buildings has been a race against time in preparation for its official Formula 1 opening. With aging and temporary garages housing the F1 paddock for a number of years, the Canadian GP officials raised CAN$60m (£35.3m) of investment from the City on Montreal and Government of Quebec to develop a new pit building for 2019. Following a 10-month construction plan, Dumontier concedes due to a harsh Montreal winter fears grew over the project being completed on time but he is delighted to see the building work finished for this year’s F1 Canadian GP.

“It was certainly a challenge. To construct something like this in 10 months, especially with our winter conditions… It’s almost a miracle,” Dumontier said. “And this past winter was a tough one, even for us! But we succeeded. It was a nice challenge and we’re really proud of the final product. All the parties were really keen to do it. They understood the importance of building a new facility, not only for the practical reasons of providing teams with great facilities and for hosting guests, but also for the image of Montreal in the championship and around the world. I can’t wait for the TVs around the world to show the new building. It’s going to be a great store window for Montreal.”

Francois Dumontier also confirmed track resurfacing is likely to take place after next year’s race as part of its 2021 preparations. The Canadian GP’s existing F1 contract at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is set to run until 2024.