http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/06/18/montreal-f1-grand-prix.html Formula One racing could return to Montreal as early as next year, CBC News has learned. Montreal NASCAR race organizer François Dumontier and F1 president Bernie Ecclestone met on Tuesday in London at Ecclestone's request. They didn't sign a contract, but Ecclestone asked Dumontier if he wanted to organize an F1 race in Montreal. The answer about a future Canadian Grand Prix is expected to come next Wednesday as the 2010 Grand Prix schedule is unveiled. Both the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and French GP were dropped this season after organizers failed to meet Ecclestone's financial demands. Istanbul took Montreal's spot on the circuit this year, but this month's race in Turkey was hamstrung by poor attendance. Provincial Finance Minister Raymond Bachand said Thursday he's confident F1 racing will soon return to Montreal. "It's common sense that Montreal should have a Formula One Grand Prix," Bachand said. "You saw how many people were in Istanbul this month 30,000 people. We get 300,000 for the entire weekend." Bachand said the F1 has its own financial problems that need to be resolved before the race returns to Montreal. He told reporters the federal and provincial governments are ready to kick in $5 million in financing while the City of Montreal is offering up another $5 million from a hotel tax to get the race back to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Federal and provincial ministers as well as Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay attempted to convince Ecclestone to keep the race in Montreal, even travelling to England to meet with him. But the Canadian event was dropped in favour of a new race in Abu Dhabi, despite Montreal being popular among drivers and teams. The Turkish Grand Prix was handed Montreal's dates for the first weekend in June. The controversial Ecclestone was asking for payments of nearly $175 million over five years too rich for Montreal organizers, who felt the demands were outrageous. Bachand said the government has never stopped talking with Ecclestone, even after the Montreal race was pulled. Bachand said organizers are not looking for a one-time deal. They want a long-term commitment and a minimum five-year deal. The Canadian Grand Prix was one of the sport's best-attended events, drawing more than 300,000 spectators for three days of competition each year since 2001, with 120,000 at the track for the Sunday race alone. The event drew an estimated $100 million per year in revenues and economic spinoffs to the city. The Canadian Grand Prix had been part of the F1 calendar since 1967. The only year since then that it wasn't held here was 1987 because of a dispute between sponsors. lets keep our fingers crossed.
And, of course, 2009. Think the organizers will feel a bit ripped off if the 2010 GP doesn't include the 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 or 2004 championship teams & drivers?
I doubt it; even NASCAR only sends the 'B' team there. GM thought so much of the 'B' team racing that they cancelled all support for that bunch... Of course anywhere you can get Ron Fellows to show up is fine! CH
Bernie has two goals here. First is to try to respond to some of the FOTA's gripes with the current calendar. Second is to try to sew-up deals with these outfits, which will help to stymie FOTA's efforts, and will also make his series more attractive to participate in. The problem is going to be that any track that Bernie comes to talk to would be stupid to accept a deal with him - especially an exclusive one (which is what he'll want). Any track he signs is likely going to want an out clause if the big names don't come back and the right to host any other race they wish. Interestingly, this was just a discussion, nothing was signed. I wonder if that was Bernies decision or the track? Could very well have switched from the former to the latter. My how the powerbase has shifted.
The real power in F1 has always been the teams. They just never seemed to know it until now. Let's hope they never forget again and they stay unified.
Yep and good luck with his efforts. Well, well, now we're his old pals again. Newsflash Ferret; attendance at Istanbul Park would be double that of CGV's for a Williams/Force India battle of F1 supremacy. No wonder Nico wants out.
Like I said elsewhere, the circuit owners aren't stupid--they read the papers--and they're going to want to know who's showing up to compete. I'm sure Bernie comes off as desperate and shallow approaching these event organizers.
Reports are that the Canadians won't sign anything until the FIA/FOTA situation is resolved. They also won.t sign a deal that doesn't include the big name teams. Bernie is being squeezed.