• Canadian Grand Prix

Promoters happy with new Montreal track surface

ESPNF1 Staff
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The tyres and not the surface took the punishment in Montreal © Getty Images
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The organisers of the Canadian Grand Prix are happy with the way the track held up over the course of this year's race.

In 2007 and 2008 the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve attracted criticism after the surface crumbled away at a number of corners. Ahead of the race's return last weekend the troublesome sections were resurfaced with Shell Bitumen - as used at other grand prix venues - and the tarmac held together well from Friday to Sunday.

Race promoter Francois Dumontier said the improvement was in part due to the resurfacing but also because of the change in F1's tyre regulations.

"I've said that part of the problem was the [grooved] tyre," he told the Montreal Gazette. "An engineer explained to me that in every corner, the (grooved) tread was pushing the asphalt. We put down a new surface last year, but I think the improvement is a combination of that and the slick tyre. After the first practice session, I sent somebody out to look at our repairs. It was a relief."

However, throughout the race weekend drivers complained about the low grip of the surface and the way Bridgestone's tyres were uncharacteristically graining and degrading.

Dumontier replied: "I think drivers need to adapt to every track. At Barcelona, for example, which is used for testing, they know exactly where to put their tyres. Our circuit is used just twice a year to race."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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