So how do you prepare for a track you've never been to?

More to the point, how do you prepare for a track very few have ever driven on?

That's the problem facing CG this week as he prepares for the IMSA GT3 Challenge by Yokohama race this week end on Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

What do we know about Montreal? We know it's a point and squirt track that demands much from brakes and tires. The figures for Formula 1 cars are , of course, staggering as this Pirelli video makes clear.



Sure you can look at lots of Formula 1 onboards but, really, what's the use for CG? Footage from relevant cars is pretty scarce. One is a rather low quality one with Andy Lally driving a Grand Am spec Porsche:



rFactor is one tool and I know CG has been spending a lot of time at the secret Axis training facility (Mclaren's headquarter are nothing compared!) pounding out the virtual laps.



But there is one reality that will be first and foremost on CG's mind, a characteristic unique Gilles Villeneuve: The Wall of Champions!



Here is how the track guide CG was provided clinically describes it

Turn 13&14:
 The last chicane.
 Position the car track-left, as you head for the brake zone.
 You’ll be going over 150 mph. So, apply a hard brake application at the 400 marker (just before the bridge).
 Downshift from 6th to 3rd Gear.
 Be very careful with curb strikes in this chicane. Inside the flat rumble strips are two large bumps at each apex. Striking these humps can cause quite a bit of damage.
(Davies Motorsports Services)

This is what it looks like:



Bonne Chance CG, we'll be there rooting for you Sunday, Just watch out for Lewis Hamilton in pit lane!



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