Aug 4, 2009 9:34:53 PM
- JoeRockhead
- Rennteam VIP
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- Loc: Topside , Monaco
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- Registered on: Sep 17, 2007
F1 returning to Montreal next year
In an fantastic piece of news, Bernie Ecclestone confirmed in an interview today that the Montreal F1 race is back on for 2010!
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Ecclestone, the head of the F1 circuit, said in today's edition of Motorsport Aktuell magazine that "we'll be driving in Montreal again in 2010."
Pressure from the major automobile manufacturers involved in F1 as well as from the teams following less-than-stellar attendance at races in the Middle East and the Far East is believed to be behind the change of mind.
But Ecclestone ruled out a return of the U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis, which last hosted an F1 race in 2007.
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve was ecstatic when informed of the development today.
"That's amazing news," Villeneuve told The Canadian Press.
"It's the biggest event of the year," the 1997 champion said of the event at Circuit-Gilles Villeneuve that usually attracted more than 100,000 people on race day.
He said Montreal was "a fun weekend, a party weekend" for F1 drivers and teams.
"And the race was always exciting."
City of Montreal officials have remained mum on the news and other Formula One officials had no immediate comment.
Alain Creton, head of the Peel Street Merchants' Association, said the silence probably means negotiations are in their final stages and a dollar figure is still being worked out.
"He probably wants to get more money from them," Creton said of Ecclestone, suggesting the F1 head's pronouncement is probably a negotiating tactic to push bargaining to a quick conclusion.
He noted Ecclestone is well aware of the support for the race in Montreal and how much the city wants it back.
Creton added that Ecclestone and the series are also smarting from the loss of BMW from the F1 circuit and that that also makes reinstating the lucrative Montreal race more attractive.
