The 12 drivers invited to take part in a practice session on the Circuit Mont-Tremblant were very impressed by the racetrack and its speed potential.
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| Paul Tracy is about to step on the track. |
Our two Canadian representatives in Champ Car, Paul Tracy of Forsythe Racing and Alexandre Tagliani of RSports, were on hand to experience the ultra fast racetrack. They had quite a challenge in front of them!
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| TAG was also in Mont-Tremblant. |
Tagliani was very excited about the prospect of racing on what he considers to be the ''nicest track'' of the entire 2007 season.
''The tarmac is extremely slick. Possibly, a few clearing areas might have to be revised in order to ensure driver safety. Still, my first impressions are very positive. I'm sure we're gonna have fun!''
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| Tagliani on the track at Mont Tremblant. |
With regards to the desired clearing areas, he added: ''It wouldn't cost that much. The grass would have to be dug and replaced with gravel. As a result, the smaller clearing areas would be more effective at safely stopping cars that lose control.''
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| Simon Pagenaud loves the Tremblant panorama. |
The younger drivers on hand also appreciated the quality and beauty of the Circuit Mont-Tremblant.
Simon Pagenaud, of Team Australia, who had never even heard about this part of the Laurentides region before these two practice days, confessed that Tremblant represents a ''scary'' challenge.
''Like all the other drivers, my first impressions are very positive. The site is gorgeous, the landscape is remarkable and the quality of the track will allow us to go full steam. We'll really have to dig deep to find all the energy needed to perform well. This is certainly not a go-kart track.''
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| Pagenaud in full action. |
When asked if he was any intimidated, Pagenaud answered with no hesitation: ''We were not here to push the limits of the track, but you could easily tell that some sections are overwhelming.''
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| Sébastien finds the track ''ultra quick''. |
As for Sébastien Bourdais, the defending champion, he told us that the Circuit Mont-Tremblant allows drivers to have fun but those who are not focused enough will pay dearly for their mistakes.
''The track is amazing, very quick and with a lot of twists and turns. There are no true straight line. Champ Car drivers will get the chance to express their talent, but they will have to remain extra careful because the slightest mistake might lead to serious consequences. We're going to be constantly on the edge since the clearing areas are limited. If you lose control, it will hurt badly, that's for sure,'' he stated.
