Sainte-Thérèse (QC) – The 2023 edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada will take place this weekend, on the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. Only two F1 support series are scheduled for this event, including the F1600 Canada. A field of more than 25 drivers will compete in this series, including the reigning American Formula 2000 champion, Quebecer Jean-Christophe Trahan.
After his record season in the United States last year, Trahan planned to take a sabbatical year in 2023, to take time to associate with new partners in order to pursue his professional career in motorsport from 2024. But the opportunity to compete in the three F1600 races on the schedule this year at the F1 Grand Prix was too strong! Thanks to the involvement of Del Corona & Scardigli Canada, MF Racing, Sesame Bistro asiatique, Gestion Lux Automotive, Marchand de bonheur and L’émouleur (exceptional Japanese blades), Jean-Christophe Trahan will be at the wheel of the #12 Mygale of Britain West Motorsports team, owned by renowned Ontario tuner David Clubine.
“It’s an offer I really couldn’t refuse. I love the frenzy, the atmosphere of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. The support races have traditionally not many laps at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit but with three F1600 races on the schedule this year, it’s really great!” comments Jean-Christophe. He adds: “driving the #12 Mygale is a bit like reconnected to an old love since it was with this number that I started in road racing competition, at the 2019 Grand Prix du Canada, and finished runner-up of the series in 2021”.
The driver from Ste-Thérèse does not have a specific goal for the event which will take place this weekend. But he is confident that he can fight at the front of the field. “I am aiming for the best possible result, to give a good show to the fans who will certainly be present by tens of thousands in the grandstands. You have to be not only a good driver but also a good strategist when competing in an event like that: you have to avoid contacts, that’s the priority, and clinch every opportunity. I am confident that I have the equipment to fight for victory, but it is imperative to build your race well, your strategy… and to have a bit of luck of course” declares Jean-Christophe Trahan.
Jean-Christophe will be at his first motorsport event of the 2023 season at the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. “The Grand Prix came as an opportunity. Initially, I planned to build on the 2022 successes with a view to 2024 but, as I said earlier, competing in the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada was too tempting! We are predicting good weather this weekend and I am convinced that all the fans who will be in the grandstands on Saturday and Sunday for our three races will experience something special” concludes Trahan.
F1600 Canada drivers will have a free practice session on Friday from 10:20 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., followed by the qualifying session from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., between the two Formula 1 practice sessions. On Saturday, the first race will take place at 9:30 a.m. and the second one at 2 p.m., just before Formula 1 qualifying. On Sunday, the third race of the event will be presented from 9:55 a.m.
