Montreal mayor admits time is running out to secure Canadian GP in 2009
Montreal officials have not given up on holding the Canadian Grand Prix in 2009 despite seeing the event stripped from the F1 calendar and are working hard to develop a financial rescue package.
The Canadian Grand Prix was axed from the calendar in October and although no reason was given by the FIA, the race was linked to the United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis which was also dropped from the 18-race schedule.
However, according to autosport.com, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is in discussion with the Montreal authorities to put in place a financial package that would rescue the pace.
As part of the package, Montreal hotels would raise their taxes during the grand prix weekend.
Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay acknowledged to the Montreal Gazzette that time is running out to agree on and submit the package to Ecclestone.
“I think we need an answer very soon,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
“We need to know if we’re going to have a Grand Prix in 2009. We’re trying to find a proposal that will meet with the approval of Bernie Ecclestone and his board of directors.
“He’s not interested in where the money’s going to come from, he just wants to get the money to which he thinks he’s entitled.”
