Rumormill: Montreal GP could be back as soon as this year
Abu Dhabi is scheduled to hold its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix on November 11 of this year. Due to tight capital, though, it is being reported that the event's organizers are behind on the building schedule for the race track and new support hotels. If that race gets replaced, rumor has it that Montreal will be asked to step up. Montreal would certainly get our sympathy vote -- the city's grand prix site still features a timer that is busy counting down to nothing...
For his part, Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay has been speaking to Bernie Ecclestone about bringing F1 back to Montreal in 2010, and Quebec's gem could be slotted into an October space to substitute for the Middle Eastern race. Tremblay said he doesn't want to consider a one-off event, he wants a long term contract that brings F1 conclusively back to Montreal. Thanks for the tip, Pat.
[Source: F1 Live]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mapoftazifosho 5:09PM (3/31/2009)
I will order tickets immediately if this happens!
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Franz 5:35PM (3/31/2009)
Abu Dhabi has already refuted the rumors that they are behind schedule guys. They insist that all is well, and everything's on schedule. Ticket sales actually started today.
AZZO45b 7:32PM (3/31/2009)
I 2nd that motion! Montreal should have NEVER lost their GP in the 1st damn place!!! Every time I attended live, the racing was great & Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was PACKED with paying fans.
But the greedy, Beatle-looking reject, couldn't find an equivalent of a Candian Oil Sheik or multi-billion, super company to pay his ransom, eh "licensing" fee to host a GP. Build a sport by tossing older, loyal fans??? Nice Bernie (not)!
hyundaifans.com 8:37PM (3/31/2009)
Gosh i hope this is true. I am so there!
ken_aisin 10:04AM (4/01/2009)
@AZZO45b:
I totally agree with you. Bernie and Max are ruining the sport, and they need to go. I understand it is a business and Bernie needs to make a profit for the stakeholders. But making profit by alienating the long time loyal followers of the sport is just plain wrong.
I never see European soccer clubs moving to another city or country just to make more money. Just imagine how bizarre it would be if Manchester United moved to Dubai, and changed the name to Dubai United.
Furthermore, Bernie and Max come up with new rules and regulations every year. I've seen any other sport that establishes a new set of rules and regulations year after year. Somehow F1 has become more like a reality show which has more coverage on the politics than the actions on the track.
ken_aisin 10:06AM (4/01/2009)
"I've seen any other sport that establishes a new set of rules and regulations year after year."
Sorry. I meant to say I've never seen...
Al Terego 5:13PM (3/31/2009)
Oh, so F1 needs a prom date but the hot girl isn't available....why not call the ex. But, if the hottie ever gets her sh_t together, well let's throw the ex out again like yesterday's trash. Completely pathetic top tier management!
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Mazda FTW! 5:24PM (3/31/2009)
You think the track at Abu Dhabi is the hot girl? Puh-lease. The Montreal track is one of the hottest tracks anywhere...not just in location beauty but also in terms of driving fun. Long straights and tight corners ahhh. It's reminds me of my personal fav (also no longer on the calendar) Imola.
Al Terego 5:29PM (3/31/2009)
Ummmm, I meant hot as in the latest and newest. I'm surprised you didn't tell me that the track wasn't really a girl at all. *Claps
why not the LS2LS7? 5:17PM (3/31/2009)
This would be wise. It also makes F1 look like fools to drop it in the first place, which they were.
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Mullwell 5:22PM (3/31/2009)
Montreal in November? Does bridgestone do winter tires for f1?
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Mazda FTW! 5:24PM (3/31/2009)
LMAO
brett 6:43PM (3/31/2009)
Ding-ding-ding! We have a winner!
slicecom 9:54PM (3/31/2009)
Hope this answers your question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyjc-EOA_O4
John P. 5:23PM (3/31/2009)
Bernie the former high price hooker has turned into a cheap slut. Montreal should say they'll do the race if he pays them.
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pradyumnakejriwal 5:58PM (3/31/2009)
Montreal deserves a permanent spot on the F1 calendar. It should have been a part of 2009 all along.
Cmon Bernie, get it back. Don't be so desperate for new Asian money that you forget to show some respect to the sport, its spirit, and its fans.
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docherty2000 2:27AM (4/01/2009)
A bit off topic, but the track is open all year to the public. It is split up the middle, the left side is for cyclists and pedestrians. I took my room mate driving for the first time in my impreza there last fall. Its limited to 30 km/h, but on the hairpin and across the finish line the road is only for cars. I really hope they bring it back next year, I love hearing the whining engines in the humid summer.
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Mobius_1 7:09PM (3/31/2009)
I say go back to the Nurburgring Nordschleiffe, except only Bernie and Max are racing. Full tilt.
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Steve 7:21PM (3/31/2009)
Not gonna happen. The calendar is set. Next year maybe but won't happen this year
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Anthony 7:49PM (3/31/2009)
middle east doesnt deserve a GP. Montreal has a long standing history with racing and a massive racing culture.
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