Lance Stroll’s arrival in Formula 1 will be a boost to the Canadian Grand Prix, according to promoter Francois Dumontier.
The eighteen-year-old will become the first Canadian to race in Formula 1 since 2006 when 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve last competed in the premier single seater category when he raced for BMW Sauber, and Dumontier believes Stroll will receive the same kind of support Villeneuve did when he raced at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Stroll will race for the Williams Martini Racing squad next year after being signed to partner Valtteri Bottas as a replacement for the retiring Felipe Massa, and his appearance in the Montreal-based event will help celebrate the fiftieth year of Canada appearing on the Grand Prix calendar.
“My first thought goes to the fans. The 10-year wait is now over,” said Dumontier to Reuters. “The Grand Prix of Canada will celebrate 50 years in 2017 and we see Lance as a nice gift to celebrate this. Of course we think it’s going to help ticket sales.
“I think it’s going to be a huge thing. We remember when Jacques was driving, the fans were there and cheering for Jacques. I think they will do the exact same thing for Lance.”
