The Canadian Grand Prix is one of my favorite events in the world, no less. Obviously, I am not the only one in this case. Every year in Quebec, a large number of racing enthusiasts await this event with the same impatience.
In addition to being presented on a mythical circuit that evokes wonderful memories for many of us, the Canadian Grand Prix is also and above all a wide range of humans who have sport at heart.
Besides, what I appreciate the most when I have the chance to take part in the Grand Prix of Canada and go on the track is precisely the human experience that a pilot can live on the circuit. of Notre Dame Island.
Each year, I become a privileged observer and I see the impressive number of challenges that the team of organizers takes up. A team skillfully led by François Dumontier, who works hard to renew itself year after year to make the event more spectacular.
But behind this fiery team, there are also volunteers who make this Grand Prix possible. From the first days of the installation, the circuit is teeming with volunteers who are busy and who are already anticipating the fallout on the next edition of the event.
And so it is for the whole weekend, as much for the well-being of the teams as for that of the spectators.
The racing driver frequently finds himself in the spotlight, yet he couldn’t achieve much without the support of the team around him. The truth is that the practice of motorsport is intimately linked to the presence of a framework that is often overlooked.
First, at the official opening of an event, it is customary to say that the organizer entrusts the keys to a race director. This director, supported by his assistants, ensures the smooth running of the event. It is also his responsibility to quickly take the right decision in the event of an incident.
The race marshals, for their part, are attentive to the race and communicate with the drivers using flags. They are ready to intervene at any time in the event of an incident to ensure the safety of drivers and spectators.
The stewards, on the other hand, have the task of arbitrating multiple problems, whether we are talking about racing incidents, non-compliance on the part of a competitor or non-compliance with instructions from the side of the stewards. . For each problem, they must judge the situation and impose the appropriate sanctions.
Finally, before and after the event, the technical inspector checks all the safety elements of the cars that are entered on the circuit. During the event and after the event, he pays attention to verifying the conformity of the elements that will influence performance and he sends his reports to the stewards who, in turn, decide on the action to be taken.
Safety and medical preparation are also two key factors in the organization of a motor racing championship to ensure the sustainability of the event.
To ensure the maximum safety of car racers and the general public, the team in place on the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit must be ready to intervene at any time, whether at the track hospital, in the wells, in rapid response vehicles or in ambulances.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, emergency room staff members are using telemedicine to remotely monitor in real time all the maneuvers that are performed by the field hospital team. Thus, they have precise data on the condition of the injured even before his arrival at the hospital.
Of note, the Canadian Grand Prix medical team has played an important role in improving health care within motorsport events in Canada and around the world, for example through the presence of Dr Jacques Bouchard to the Medical Commission of the International Automobile Federation. Currently, 75 people work under his leadership during the event, all of them on a voluntary basis.
Last element that makes this Grand Prix such a popular event: the proximity to the spectators.
For us, the pilots, this proximity is a major asset. Over the entire distance of the circuit, the configuration of the place allows us to see you up close, and the fact that you feel as excited as we are encourages us to surpass ourselves.
You will have understood that you are absolutely essential. Every time we meet on the track, you allow us to offer you a unique show.
In the case of the support series, we also have the chance to welcome you to the paddocks and chat about racing among enthusiasts. I have to say this is one of my favorite moments.
All this in a place that is located close to the city, which allows spectators, organizers, pilots and their teams to find themselves quickly either at the hotel, or in all these streets where the shop windows are decorated for the occasion and where the festive spirit quickly wins over everyone to create an absolutely extraordinary atmosphere.
This is why the human experience found in Montreal is so unique. And that’s why pilots always want to come back.
With that, I wish you an excellent Grand Prix… And have fun!
