MONTREAL – Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is unimpressed over a lack of work has been done on building new paddock at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and said he’s disappointed the race has yet to land a major sponsor.
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When a multi-million dollar deal involving three levels of government was announced in 2014 that would keep the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal until 2024, the city promised an extra $32 million for the paddock and other infrastructural improvements by 2017.
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That leaves one year for a lot of work to be done.
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Asked if failing to get it done on time would put the event’s future in doubt, Ecclestone said: “probably, the contract’s in doubt. When you have a contract, normally it’s got the terms are set out in the contract what people are supposed to do, both sides. It’s been forgotten a little bit from the city.”
“I find it difficult to understand why they haven’t managed to attract a major sponsor,” he added.
Race promoter Francois Dumontier didn’t comment on the lack of movement on infrastructure, but he is still working on finding a sponsor to make the event profitable.
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The race was dropped from the F1 calendar in 2009 in a dispute over upgrades to the track.