Rumors have been circulating that the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix will be moved in the fall, but event promoter Francois Dumontier confirms that it will not be happening. He said he has a contract with F1 that stipulates that the race will be presented in June for at least the next 11 years (2029).
Rumors that the test will be presented later in the year began to circulate when the series’ executives voiced their support for a race in the streets of Miami, where city officials must vote next week to determine if the event will be held in the Florida metropolis starting in 2019.
It would be the second F1 race in the United States after Austin, Texas, to be presented on October 21, one week before the Mexican Grand Prix. If the Canadian Grand Prix is dropped in October, then a four-race portion of the F1 calendar would be entirely North American.
Dumontier has confirmed by email that he supported another race on the North American continent, but reiterated that he preferred the Canadian Grand Prix to be held in June. The race will take place on the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit on June 10th.
“We would welcome another race in North America in the fall. We believe that it would be good for our sport and that it would stimulate interest in new markets and with new racing fans who would not necessarily come to the Canadian Grand Prix.” Dumontier wrote.
“Our agreement states that the Canadian Grand Prix must be held in a two-week time slot during the month of June until 2029.” he added.
The Grand Prix of Canada was presented towards the end of September until its transfer in June, in 1982. Even if this race breaks the European portion of the calendar, since it separates the Monaco Grand Prix on May 27 and the Grand Prix de France on June 24, it is popular with teams and drivers because of its huge crowds and its proximity to downtown Montreal.
The Canadian Grand Prix now has one of the longest contracts in F1, all the way to 2029. (Source:www.motorworldhype.com)
Similarly to Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, the race takes places through a public park, with cars darting through the trees on public and parts of a purpose-built race track.
