On sunny race day, future still cloudy for Canadian Grand Prix

MONTREAL – Tony Somma is a native of Naples, Italy, who now resides in Connecticut.

The Canadian Grand Prix offers him the opportunity to see Formula One racing close to his adopted home, he said while waiting to watch the race live. But should the series launch a much-anticipated race near New York City, which is rumoured to occur as soon as next year, Somma could bid bon voyage to Montreal.

“I know they’re going to open up a racetrack in New Jersey,” he said. “So goodbye to Canada for us.”

This is one of the most powerful potential bargaining chips in possession of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone; the threat of pulling a race from the calendar if a government doesn’t pony up enough cash. That threat becomes more realistic once F1 has a New York-area race on the calendar that would allow the series to retain fans from the northeastern seaboard.

Reportedly Ecclestone is looking for at least $15 million a year from the three governments in the form of track improvements and other incentives, with an indexed percentage increase. CP reports that the federal government may be balking at its requested contribution.

Earlier at the race, the event promoter said rumours of a potential deal to keep the race in Montreal were still premature, according to CP. The race has an estimated economic impact of $90 million a year.

“I’m kinda hoping it stays here, it’d be a shame if they didn’t keep it, it really would,” said Jeff Potter, a visitor from Ontario who originally comes from Great Britain.

“There should be a race, but I think it’s just, a little pressure,” said Dave Lamont, in town from Burlington, Vt. for his first race. “Change things a little bit. Get a bit more money.”

Montrealers remain bullish on the Canadian Grand Prix, considered by some the number three race in the series behind Monaco and Australia.

“I’m sure with all the tourists that come here, I’m sure they’ll find a solution for that,” said Anthony Marinelli, a Montrealer decked out in Ferrari garb.

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel, the defending series champion, took first place this year with a 14-second lead over Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari. Last year’s race winner, Lewis Hamilton of McLaren, finished third.