Built on an island in the St Lawrence seaway, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has hosted the Canadian Grand Prix since 1977.

The circuit is named after the legendary Ferrari ace who made history by becoming the first Canadian to win a world championship grand prix at his home track in 1978, and thrilled spectators the world over with his derring-do throughout a tragically brief career.

Unfortunately his son Jacques, who became the crowd darling in recent years, never had much luck at the circuit – unable to better (or even match) the second place that he achieved in his first Canadian GP, and crashing out on five occasions.

There is no longer a Villeneuve in F1 for the Canadians to cheer, but they are still likely to see an enthralling race, for the tight confines and dusty surface of the little-used temporary track tend to encourage drama.

Famous moments include Nigel Mansell (allegedly) throwing away victory in 1991 by stalling while waving to the crowd on the final lap, then crashing while trying to pass Ayrton Senna a year later.

Alex Wurz provided the fireworks in 1998 when he rolled spectacularly at the first corner – then hopped into the spare car for the restart and came from last to fourth!

The barrier at Montreal's tricky final chicane is now known as the ‘Champions' Wall' on account of its habit of catching out the big names.

In 1999 former title winners Michael Schumacher, Villeneuve and Damon Hill all clattered into the unforgiving wall during the race.

Last season saw characteristic drama - with Robert Kubica escaping the most ferocious shunt in years, and Lewis Hamilton emerging from the chaos to secure his first ever grand prix win.

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