The “wall of champions” at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit claimed its first victim of the weekend at the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada on Sunday. During the support races, the flight of the Nissan Sentras ended behind the safety car, after an accident early in the event.
The last corner of the Montreal track, previously called “the wall of Quebec”, has changed its name due to the many contacts of reigning F1 champions over the years. Simon Dion-Viens got to know the railing.
ANDREANNE LEMIRE/QMI AGENCY
Four of the 12 laps had been completed when the safety car had to take control. Some contact between the leaders led to a small clash, and it was the native of Quebec who paid the price.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
Simon Charbonneau (3rd) Stefan Rzadzinski (1st) and Kevin King (2nd) on the podium in Race 2 of the Nissan Sentra Cup of the Formula 1 (F1) Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal on Sunday June 19, 2022. JOEL LEMAY/QMI AGENCY
Alberta’s Stefan Rzadzinski finished first in the race, ahead of defending Nissan Sentra Cup champion Kevin King. The Quebecer was followed on the podium by his compatriot Simon Charbonneau.
Joel Lemay / QMI Agency
Simon Charbonneau (3rd) on the podium of the 2nd race of the Nissan Sentra Cup of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix (F1) at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, in Montreal, on Sunday June 19, 2022. JOEL LEMAY / QMI AGENCY
Earlier in the morning, no Quebecer made the podium in Formula 1600, despite a fine delegation from La Belle Province. The results of the first race the previous day determined the order of the drivers on the starting grid on Sunday.
Starting on the second row, Jean-Christophe Trahan was unlucky and his race ended on his third lap. It was a similar result for veteran Didier Schraenen, who had to retire halfway through the race. The 66-year-old man, author of 15 podiums at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, is still looking for a first victory on the Montreal track.
Ontarian Jake Cowden won in F1600, ahead of American Tyler O’Connor and another representative from Ontario, Connor Clubine.