It's time for the Canadian Grand Prix, but as Formula One heads to Montreal this weekend the future of the Canadian Grand Prix in serious doubt. As the current deal to host the race expires next year and efforts to agree a new contract to stage it until 2024 have stalled.
According to reports by
bloggers, the root of the problem is the Ottawa government which is believed to be unwilling to up its contribution to stage the grand prix.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for a lot improvements to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve but the authorities are not keen to foot what could be a huge bill.
Ecclestone is especially keen for changes to the pit area and paddock, where floating platforms are used to extend the area. The enlarged paddock area, together with other repairs, would cost around £10million
Negotiations are continuing and race promoter Francois Dumontier insists improvements to the track are already part of their plans.
Here is an interesting fact in preparation for the Canadian GP: According to Mercedes, drivers are at full throttle for approximately 72 percent of the lap distance in Canada with the longest period of full throttle 13.5s. Each driver will make 50 gear changes per lap, which equates to 3,500 over the 70-lap race distance.
