Fobio
08-04-2009, 01:40 PM
http://www.wheels.ca/reviews/article/781253
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Aug 04, 2009
FRANKFURT – Bernie Ecclestone says Formula One will return to Montreal next season.
The Canadian Grand Prix was taken off the F1 calendar this year after a contractual dispute. Governments — including the federal, provincial and municipal — had offered $115 million over five years and this was turned down.
But 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 and from the teams following less-than-stellar attendance at races in Middle East and the Far East is believed 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.
"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.
"It was a little dull (without the GP) and, financially, it helps everyone."
He said Montreal was "a fun weekend, a party weekend" for F1 drivers and teams.
"And the race was always exciting."
Villeneuve said he still wants to return to Formula One, adding ``there is nothing on tap now, but it takes time."
With files from The Associated Press.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Aug 04, 2009
FRANKFURT – Bernie Ecclestone says Formula One will return to Montreal next season.
The Canadian Grand Prix was taken off the F1 calendar this year after a contractual dispute. Governments — including the federal, provincial and municipal — had offered $115 million over five years and this was turned down.
But 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 and from the teams following less-than-stellar attendance at races in Middle East and the Far East is believed 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.
"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.
"It was a little dull (without the GP) and, financially, it helps everyone."
He said Montreal was "a fun weekend, a party weekend" for F1 drivers and teams.
"And the race was always exciting."
Villeneuve said he still wants to return to Formula One, adding ``there is nothing on tap now, but it takes time."
With files from The Associated Press.