Canadian Grand Prix - - -See GRAND PRIX OF CANADA.
Catalunya - - -Modern, purpose-built circuit near BARCELONA, home to the SPANISH GRAND PRIX since 1991. In its current configuration, the track is 4.728 km in length.
Championship points - - -Points are awarded for the FIA Formula One Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in the following way per race: 1st-10 points, 2nd-6 points, 3rd-4 points, 4th-3 points, 5th-2 points and 6th-1 point.
Chassis - - -The framework of a race car or any motor vehicle, including the suspension and wheels, to which all other elements of the car are connected. A modern F1 race chassis is constructed of carbon fibre composite material and provides a structure that is not only very light, but also very strong and durable.
Chicane - - -A tight combination of corners inserted into a straight on a racing circuit, usually with the intention of slowing cars down.
Clerk of the Course - - -The person ultimately responsible for all operational on-track issues related to the running of a motor race meeting.
Clermont-Ferrand - - -Track, south of Paris, site of the FRENCH GRAND PRIX in 1965, 1969-70, and 1972. The circuit is still used for national races.
Cockpit - - -As in an aircraft, the area of the chassis, or monocoque, in which the driver sits. Once strapped in his custom-made seat (seat will be extractable as of January 1, 1999), he is effectively only able to move his head, arms and legs.
Cockpit padding - - -Deformable material positioned around the cockpit of a Formula One car, particularly around the driver's head, intended to provide protection and support when cornering hard or during an accident.
Concorde Agreement - - -An agreement between the FIA and teams which have agreed to sign, in force from 1997 to 2001 inclusive. It consists of a series of provisions that govern the distribution of TV and race participation income as well as changes to the sporting and technical regulations. It was updated and signed by all teams in 1998.
Cooper Climax - - -The first mid-engined Formula One car was developed by John Cooper's Cooper Car Company and fitted with a four-cylinder Coventry Climax power unit. This was the forerunner of all modern Formula One cars.
Coulthard, David - - -Likeable Scottish driver, accused by many of being too nice to make it in F1. Although he has nominally equal status with teammate Hakkinen, he is unlikely to beat him over a season. He has stayed at McLAREN for another season.
Coventry Climax - - -The engine used by all British F1 cars (except B.R.M.) throughout the 1.5. litre formula in the sixties. It was originally used in the COOPER F1 car in 2.5 litre form in 1959 and 1960 and at the start of the 3 litre formula in 1966 was used (in 2 litre form) by some teams without access to full 3 litre engines.
Cylinders - - -The number of cylinders in a Formula One race car may not exceed 12, and there can be no more than five valves per cylinder. Currently, all Formula One engines are of V10 configuration.