Canada bids to save race

The 2009 Canadian Grand Prix could be back on the Formula One calendar after government officials sought a meeting with Bernie Ecclestone.

F1 supremo Ecclestone was believed to have left the race off next season’s calendar because of claims that contractual obligations for this year’s race had not been met.

Canadian GP officials denied owing any money but admitted there was a disagreement over the fee for the 2008 race at Montreal in June.

Ecclestone revealed he did not see the event returning to the calendar for 2009, meaning it would be the first year since 1950 a world championship race had not been staged in North America.

But Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay and two senior cabinet ministers are expected to meet with Ecclestone this week, with the Quebec government keen to retain the event because of the boost it gives to the local economy.

“If we are able to reasonably and responsibly save this event, we will do it,” said Raymond Bachand, the Quebec minister for economic development.

He told the 'Montreal Gazette': “The grand prix is a big event, it’s the biggest tourism event, but how much does it bring in concretely, not only in spin-offs but in cash in our pockets as citizens, as taxpayers?

“I’m going to negotiate with Mr Ecclestone, so we will keep our cards to ourselves.”