Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a 4,361-meter racetrack that hosts the iconic Canadian Grand Prix. As part of the prestigious Formula 1 World Championship, this international event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Montreal each year from around the globe.
For over a decade, EXP’s teams have supported the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau annually in developing design plans and specifications for various projects, as well as supervising strategic interventions for the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and the surrounding facilities. This supports compliance with the requirements of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Octane Racing Group, the event organizer.
Important infrastructure upgrades to the racetrack
As part of important improvements to the racetrack, EXP’s infrastructure team has overseen repaving work at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. This work helps maintain a high-quality track surface, improves drainage and optimizes performance and safety for F1 drivers.
Additional infrastructure improvements and upgrades to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve have included:
- Lowering the road profile at turns 8 and 9 beneath the bridge connecting the islands. Approximately 400 meters of the racetrack were lowered as part of this work.
- Coordinating spot replacement of curbs around the track, in collaboration with FIA-certified experts
- Overseeing replacement and addition of electrical systems, including lighting fixtures and access pits.
- Development of a high-performance asphalt mix during the design phase, specifically tailored for the racetrack.
EXP teams also oversaw the following work during construction:
- Addition of service paths
- Turf reinforcement using fiber providing strength and stability
- Installation of underground conduits to support race operations (e.g., fibre optics, electrical wiring, etc.)
- Raising of select concrete safety barriers
- Reconfiguration of the drainage system, including the construction of several underground retention basins and addition of drainage channels at key locations
- Replacement of interlocking grid pavers
Image courtesy of © Jean-François Savaria
Services
Civil, Electrical, Materials Testing, Work Supervision and Technical Assistance During Repaving