Race promoter Francois Dumontier is worried about the future of the Canadian grand prix.<\/p>\n
He told French-language La Presse newspaper that Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve needs to urgently conclude its talks with F1 authorities about extending the current contract beyond the June race.<\/p>\n
“60 days before the 2014 grand prix, there is an urgency,” the usually low-profile Dumontier admitted.<\/p>\n
“It is true, unfortunately, the sustainability of the Canadian grand prix is not yet assured.”<\/p>\n
He said he is in negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone for a new ten-year contract, “covering the period 2015 to 2024”.<\/p>\n
But he not only has to conclude the deal with F1, but also with the various levels of federal, provincial and city governments who split up the costs.<\/p>\n
“Time has gone past and there are still no signatures at the bottom of the documents,” said Dumontier.<\/p>\n
He said he wants the deals to be secured before June’s 2014 race in Montreal.<\/p>\n
“Following the grand prix in June, the rights of my business to the race will be non-existent,” Dumontier warned.\u00a0 “We must act now.”<\/p>\n
Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, one of the parties who must agree, said he is “very confident” the deal will be struck “in the coming weeks”.<\/p>\n
“This (delay) is normal when it comes to events in which you sign for ten years,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I want there to be a grand prix, but you understand that it must be in a responsible way.”<\/p>\n
A spokesman for federal minister Denis Lebel added: “We are working with our partners to see if we can keep this important event in Montreal.<\/p>\n
“But the involvement of the federal government will have respect for the ability of the taxpayers (to pay),” he added.<\/p>\n
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