The francophone tabloid of Montreal,
Le Journal de Montreal published an article today about the upcoming GP du Canada, the new contract and the planned renovations to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The main point of the article is that Montreal Mayor Coderre and Promoter Francois Dumontier have reconciled their differences and made peace. So at least for now, the future of the Montreal race is assured until 2019.
However, as the article points out, the governmental bodies (mainly the city and the province of Quebec) that will fund the almost-$50M CDN renovation project still need to sign a formal agreement to do so. Hopefully everything gets signed soon.
Here is a translation (basic translation by Google, tweaks and edits by me).
The Grand Prize for Reconciliation
Coderre and Dumontier have made peace; F1 is in Montreal to stay
LOUIS BUTCHER
Lejournaldemontreal.com
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
The embrace was more than symbolic. It seemed cordial between [Promoter] François Dumontier and [Mayor] Denis Coderre.
The scene, captured Tuesday in a press conference, thus puts an end to months of division anduncertainty, not only concerning the future of the Grand Prix of Canada, but also about the relationship between its promoter and the Mayor of Montreal. From the outset, Coderre even conveyed his congratulations to the man he even avoided identifying by name in recent months.
"Bravo François and continued success with the Grand Prix," he exclaimed. It is a unifying event and everyone is now working hand in hand. I salute Francois and his team for their hard work. This reconciliation sends a clear message. "
Renovation cost on the rise
The famous disagreement with the promoter that Coderre complained about last year was related to the construction cost (to be paid by the city of Montreal) which has been revised upward a few times since the first estimate.
The mayor did not like the fact that the initial estimate could no longer be respected. With good reason.
But Mr. Dumontier made clear to him that he was not responsible for this prodigious leap from CDN $ 32 to $ 48 million required to improve the infrastructure at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
"This dispute concerned the construction project, said the mayor, it cost more than expected. But hey, it's settled.
"My conception of life is like a car. That's why the windscreen is bigger than the rear-view mirrors. We must look forward. We have been watching our blind spot and everything is going well ... "
These renovations were essential to confirm the extension of the contract that will ensure the survival of the great F1 circus until 2029.
"The plan for the renovations and the demands of the FIA and the authorities of F1 (FOM) have changed," said Mr. Dumontier. Nothing could be done. "
However, Mr. Coderre did not want to elaborate on the much-anticipated press briefing that will formalize the extension of this agreement, in the presence, presumably, of all the parties involved in the agreement and the representatives of the governmental levels concerned.
"It will take place in due course," said the mayor. We are refining the announcement [and probably the final administrative details ...]. "
It could take place during the first day of activities on the track, on Friday 9 June, to take advantage of the presence of the hundreds of journalists assigned to the coverage of F1. As was done in 2014 to announce the renewal of the initial ten-year contract before it is extended by another five years.
Fifty years, it's a celebration!
This press conference, which took place at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit, kicked off the festivities surrounding the 50th anniversary of the arrival of F1 in the country.
On August 17, 1967, the Mosport circuit was the scene of the first Canadian Grand Prix.
An array of free events, organized during the week of the GP, will allow Montreal, like never before, to vibrate to the rhythm of F1.
The Grand Prix of Canada team is putting its finishing touches on the “50th Park,” which will be located at Dorchester Square, north of René-Lévesque Boulevard, between Peel and Metcalfe Streets.
"This is the first time that our organization has offered free and accessible activities in downtown Montreal," said Mr. Dumontier.
The official opening will take place on Wednesday, June 7 at 5:30 pm, in the presence of the Quebec driver Lance Stroll and the Frenchman Romain Grosjean.
The mayor of Montreal, in plain language, lamented the lack of involvement of the promoter outside the track.
"I'm glad we're talking about promotional activities," added Mr. Coderre, other than the four days at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The idea is to get the full potential of the event. There are things that are moving. You have to create a buzz. "
Mayor Coderre also welcomes the arrival of the new owners of the F1 which will give a second wind to this event.
"Whether we like him or not, Bernie Ecclestone launched the sport. He created an empire. But this wind of renewal will be good for F1. The people of Liberty Media understand the importance of pleasing the crowd. It's not just about money and the promotion of sport.
"We want to make a happening, that’s what would really please me."
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So today, the F1 Babes of Montreal are smiling.
