The Canadian Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in time for the 2010 season, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed.
The race had been due to be held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this year, but was omitted from the 2009 calendar after talks between Ecclestone and the circuit promoters broke down over financial terms.
However the F1 Chief Executive has been under severe pressure from both sponsors and teams to reinstate the race, due to the total absence of the sport from the key market of North America.
“I promise we will be in Montreal in 2010,” Ecclestone told Switzerland’s Motorsport Aktuel. “Everyone in Formula One loves the Canadian Grand Prix.”
Unfortunately for American fans, Ecclestone was less positive when asked about the possibility of a return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Forget Indianapolis. We’re not going back there,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ecclestone also moved to assure the security of the British Grand Prix, claiming that if Donington can deliver “then we will be there – if not, then we will be staying in Silverstone.â€
However in an interview with French language radio RDS, Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay said that negotiations are still ongoing, and that that Ecclestone has not modified his previous unacceptable offer.
