Mayor keen to save the Canadian GP

Friday 10th October 2008

The mayor of Montreal, Gerald Tremblay, has expressed his desire to see the Canadian Grand Prix return to the F1 calendar.

Earlier this week it was announced that Montreal had been dropped from the calendar, although no reason was given by the FIA for the decision.

However, it is believed that the decision was based on the race organiser's and Bernie Ecclestone's failure to reach a commerial agreement.

"We understand that there is a contractual difference between Grand Prix du Canada and Mr Bernie Ecclestone, between $10-million and $20-million," Tremblay told the local media.

"We must better understand the economic, the legal and the administration considerations (before making) a decision that will be financially responsible.

"We will do everything possible to save it."

Your Comments

f1billy

"The problem with the West is that governments do not pay for a race. It's organized and funded by the private sector. In Asia and in the Middle East, the governments are funding the circus, even if it does not mean a "profit" for them. The rulers there are willing to pay top $$$$ for a race to give them exposure, and Bernie is CA$HING in on this golden opportunity. It never was about the fans, it definitely has nothing to do with the teams (manufacturers) who are losing exposure to the US and Europe because of his greed."

zman19

"It's about the money...It hints of extortion. There is 10-20 million that Bernie feels is his. So he thinks if I cancel the race I can force the Canadian organizers to come up with the money...maybe not this year but next year? it's not about the fans...wake up everyone, Bernie could care less if the fans show up or not. He is about the $$$$$ period. Does anyone really believe Bernie will give a rats a$$ if F1 continues once he is out of the picture? It's just sad that the powers that be are ruining this once great sport. As Hemingway said: There are only 3 true sports Mountain Climbing Bull Fighting and Motor Racing The rest are merely games. Let's hope the powers that be do not continue to spiral this sport down the path to mediocrity. "

rcparsons

"Typically Bernie...it's all about the money. Take F-1 away from countries with true fans (USA-Canada)and put it in places where the average person never heard of it (China-Turkey-Bahrain). When Bernie dies they'll have to screw him into the ground."

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