The attempt of the Canadian government
High-ranking officials representing the city of Montreal will soon be traveling to London to meet with Formula 1’s chief financial officer, Bernie Ecclestone, in a meeting. The objective: To attempt to save the Canadian Grand Prix in 2009. The race was removed from the 2009 calendar earlier this month due to unpaid fees amounting to […]
High-ranking officials representing the city of Montreal will soon be traveling to London to meet with Formula 1’s chief financial officer, Bernie Ecclestone, in a meeting. The objective: To attempt to save the Canadian Grand Prix in 2009.
The race was removed from the 2009 calendar earlier this month due to unpaid fees amounting to between 10 and 20 million dollars (approximately 7.8 to 15.6 million euros). These correspond to contractual obligations that have been outstanding for the past two years.
Ecclestone declared last week that the event will definitely not be present in 2009. The Mayor of Montreal, Gérald Tremblay, accompanied by two ministers, will meet with him this week to change his mind…
The government of Quebec is willing to help the race directors because the event would bring in about 75 million dollars (more than 46 million euros) to the local economy at the start of the summer season.
« If we are able to organize this event, we will do it, » stated Raymond Bachand, Quebec Minister of Economic Development, in the pages of the Montreal Gazette.
« The Formula 1 Grand Prix is a major event; it is the biggest tourist event. »
« I will attempt a negotiation with Bernie Ecclestone. »
If the Canadian Grand Prix is not reinstated, it will be the first time since 1950 that Formula 1 does not stop on the North American continent.
