Promoter worried about unsure Canada GP future

  • Published on 11 Apr 2014 10:50
  • comments 0
  • By: Rob Veenstra
Race promoter Francois Dumontier is worried about the future of the Canadian grand prix. He told French-language La Presse newspaper that Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve needs to urgently conclude its talks with F1 authorities about extending the current contract beyond the June race. "60 days before the 2014 grand prix, there is an urgency," the usually low-profile Dumontier admitted. "It is true, unfortunately, the sustainability of the Canadian grand prix is not yet assured."

He said he is in negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone for a new ten-year contract, "covering the period 2015 to 2024". But he not only has to conclude the deal with F1, but also with the various levels of federal, provincial and city governments who split up the costs. "Time has gone past and there are still no signatures at the bottom of the documents," said Dumontier.

He said he wants the deals to be secured before June's 2014 race in Montreal. "Following the grand prix in June, the rights of my business to the race will be non-existent," Dumontier warned. "We must act now."

Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, one of the parties who must agree, said he is "very confident" the deal will be struck "in the coming weeks". "This (delay) is normal when it comes to events in which you sign for ten years," he said. "I want there to be a grand prix, but you understand that it must be in a responsible way."

A spokesman for federal minister Denis Lebel added: "We are working with our partners to see if we can keep this important event in Montreal. But the involvement of the federal government will have respect for the ability of the taxpayers (to pay)," he added. (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule
show sidebar