Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a race track that is located in Montreal, Quebec on the man-made island Ile Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River. The track itself is a 4.361 km, 15-turn paved road course. Originally named Circuit Ile Notre-Dame, the track was renamed in 1982 to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in honour of the former French Canadian racecar driver of the same name, who won the first Grand Prix to be held at this location.

As a homage to Villeneuve, the inscription, "Salut Gilles" was added to the starting grid/start-finish area at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. These words have graced the racing surface since they were first painted on the track in 1983 - one year after the track was renamed.

Each year Circuit Gilles Villeneuve hosts a number of events. The largest being the NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend, where the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and Grand-Am Series also take to the track. In years past (from 2002 to 2006), the circuit also held Champ Car World Series events.

As of October 7, 2008, it has been announced that the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix has been dropped off the 2009 calendar after appearing at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve each season since 1978 (excluding 1987). The reasons cited were "contractual problems" between the owners of the track and Formula 1 management.

A look at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (lightly outlined in green) and the area that surrounds the race track.


The starting grid, next to the pit lane. The start/finish line is just visible near the top of the photo.


A look at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve from the vantage point of the hairpin turn at corner 11.