The last time the Canadian Grand Prix was not a figure on the annual Formula One Calendar was in 1987; thank God I wasn't born yet then! At that time, as history tells, the argument took place between the organizers and F1 concerning sponsorships.
This time, it seems the misunderstanding stands between the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and F1 Management's commercial rights.
The calendar will, nevertheless, hold its 18 races, with some slight changes. The Turkish Grand Prix will move to June, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be added one as the last race of the season.
Every June in Montreal, the entire city unveils the colors of Formula One (hockey is usually long gone by then!) and several events are organized downtown to the joy of car racing amateurs.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Concerts, contests, and showoffs are among the listed activities. They attract much of the city's population to Crescent Street.
As you imagine, the businesses building their revenues around such events as the race are numerous; there is no need to explain how shocked they currently are. This race also surely brings notable revenue for the city of Montreal.
The last Grand Prize raised a lot of concerns from the drivers, but concerning the quality of the circuit. Those concerns raised a few eyebrows among the local organizers, as they defended the case with the temperature situation in Montreal: long winters, drastic temperatures drops, etc.
But the technical aspects are apparently not what brought up this decision.
Some think it was to cut team expenses, as it removes an "unnecessary" trip to North Amercia with the U.S. Grand Prix already gone. Others talk about the three-week break during the summer, giving room for a possible new venue in the future. The thing is, Formula 1 won't be anywhere near North America, except in our dreams!
Concerning the circuit itself, Bernie Ecclestone already made a point in 2007 concerning the improvements that had to be made to welcome a decent Grand Prize. In 2008, the organizers gave the circuit a new look, costing them nearly $5.5 million dollars.
The Canada Grand Prix Committee declared it won't issue any comment before a meeting is held with Formula One Management, and the FIA.
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3 months ago
Sorry to hear about this. It's bad news for the fans and the small businesses that would work the race. It appears while the millionaires squabble over the big bucks, everyone else in the food chain gets shut out—this is far from right.
from 3 months ago
well, unfortunately those businesses will need to rely on other things to make it work during the spring. usually, everything falls in place, and we just have to wait for the crowd to come in as the event starts.
Montreal is going to be so calm during the period ... quite unusual!
3 months ago
Good piece ... though F1 racing is a huge part of Montreal's history and it is sad to see the race go I think the writing was on the wall. F1 can give all the reasons they want but in my opinion they just don't want to be in North America any more. I use to be a huge F1 and Indy car fan ... now it's NASCAR all the way!!! Since watching my first race where there was 30+ cars on the lead lap, the leaders traing paint down the home stretch and still going upwards of 200 mph ... there's nothing like it.
In my opinion F1 races are generally boring and will have a hard time attracting a North American fan base. I hope NASCAR eventually runs a Cup race in Canada, Montreal does a great job with the Nationwide Series and it would be great to see a race there ... plus the Cup series could use a few more road courses. Until that happens the Michigan race is the closest for me ... but plans are being made for a trip to Daytona in the future, when Montreal gets a race I'M THERE!
from 3 months ago
i know at least in the US, Nascar takes the pro-eminent place.
however, i dont know for Montreal fans, their choice between F1 and nascar ... plus there is the whole history with the circuit and so on.
we ll have to keep an eye on the evolution of the racing sports in Canada, should be exiting indeed if Montreal could host more of these major entertainements.
3 months ago
I think taking the F1 out of north america would be like taking soccer out of europe. Oh yes it can be done, but people would not be happy about it. The Montréal GP is the highlight of my auto racing year (after the D1 is done) and seeing no F1 in canada just wants to make me cry! That means I will only be able to see my beautiful Ferraris on TV now! :'-(
from 3 months ago
I know, that was i felt too when they said it was cancelled... every single year, it has always been a thrill to get downtown and give a look at all those exposed cars on thursday. and then, you get at the circuit for the next three days ... sigh ...
3 months ago
I think removing the Canadian GP is a terrible mistake. A very shortsighted thing to do by Bernie and the FIA indeed.
Canadians love their F1 and it produces great races and great atmospheres.
I have heard suggestions that it has been removed has part of a re-shift to keep the 3 week Summer break in place. They could have just removed the Hungarian GP instead, a race people hate. However when there is a street near the track called Bernie Avenue you can see why it Hungary remains on the calendar.
Bernie probably asked too money out of the Montreal occassioners and they refused to be taken to ransom.
The Middle East is the only area willing to pay Bernie's fees without argument so soon over half the F1 calendar will be there.
from 3 months ago
agreed, the three weeks break was to my knowledge the most we have heard, regarding this decision and its motives.
but like behind any drastic and major change, money is mostly in the discussions.
a lot of people come to Montreal, from everywhere, every year to watch the grand prix ... it wont go without controversy.
3 months ago
this is fucking terrific. I was planning on booking hotel/ flight/ race tickets to this event in a month or so...great
from 3 months ago
at least u didnt book it yet!
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