The Canadian Grand Prix should be confirmed on the 2017 Formula 1 calendar sooner rather than later, according to promoter Francois Dumontier.
The race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the three on the calendar for 2017 still marked as provisional along with the races in Germany and Brazil, but Dumontier believes recent conversations with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and the mayor of Montreal have seen progress about the future of the event.
“The only thing I can say is that it is imminent that we will announce that everything is OK and we will put our tickets on sale for next year’s race,” said Dumontier to Autosport.
“We’re talking about long-term now because it’s easier when you have a long-term contract to work strategy and plan ahead. Discussions have been going on for a few weeks now, but it’s imminent that [the uncertainty that comes with short-term deals] will be behind us.”
Dumontier believes that there are a number of factors holding up the confirmation of the event on the 2017 calendar, but expects one of those – the introduction of a new pit complex – will be in place for the 2019 event.
“It’s a few things, it’s not one thing in particular,” said Dumontier. “The garages have been one of the big things because the garages were supposed to be built in 2017. They will probably now be ready in 2019.
“It’s that and other things but now Bernie, myself, the city and everyone involved have the same objective and hopefully, in a few days I’ll be selling tickets.”
