From GMM
Canada could be set for a shock return to the formula one calendar, a local television channel reported on Sunday.
Citing rumours from the Melbourne paddock this weekend, the French language Reseau des Sports cable channel said organisers of the inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix - scheduled as the 2009 season finale - have fallen behind in construction of its circuit amid the global financial crisis.
Abu Dhabi's problems are reportedly due to the global financial crisis, with Montreal considered as a substitute despite falling off the 2009 calendar after a commercial disagreement with Bernie Ecclestone.
However, Canada would apparently not simply replace Abu Dhabi's November event, but instead host a race before the Brazilian grand prix in October, which would become the new last round of the championship.
Talks with Bernie Ecclestone about reviving the Canadian grand prix have taken place, Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay said on Sunday.
"We have been talking with Bernie Ecclestone about it coming back in 2011 and 2010," Tremblay confirmed to the Montreal Gazette.
However, he stated that he would be reluctant simply to offer Montreal as a one-off substitute for Abu Dhabi.
"We don't want to have it just in 2009. We want a long term agreement that respects our ability to pay," said Tremblay.
He insists, however, that Montreal organisers would be able to arrange an event this year, with the Melbourne rumours hinting at an October date.
"We have a lot of good people who have organised the races for many years," he said.
Promoters of the traditional Canadian round at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve fell out with F1 chief executive Ecclestone last year over a dispute about race fees.
An earlier dispute also saw the other North American round, the United States grand prix at Indianapolis, stage its last race in 2007.
Canada could be set for a shock return to the formula one calendar, a local television channel reported on Sunday.
Citing rumours from the Melbourne paddock this weekend, the French language Reseau des Sports cable channel said organisers of the inaugural Abu Dhabi grand prix - scheduled as the 2009 season finale - have fallen behind in construction of its circuit amid the global financial crisis.
Abu Dhabi's problems are reportedly due to the global financial crisis, with Montreal considered as a substitute despite falling off the 2009 calendar after a commercial disagreement with Bernie Ecclestone.
However, Canada would apparently not simply replace Abu Dhabi's November event, but instead host a race before the Brazilian grand prix in October, which would become the new last round of the championship.
Talks with Bernie Ecclestone about reviving the Canadian grand prix have taken place, Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay said on Sunday.
"We have been talking with Bernie Ecclestone about it coming back in 2011 and 2010," Tremblay confirmed to the Montreal Gazette.
However, he stated that he would be reluctant simply to offer Montreal as a one-off substitute for Abu Dhabi.
"We don't want to have it just in 2009. We want a long term agreement that respects our ability to pay," said Tremblay.
He insists, however, that Montreal organisers would be able to arrange an event this year, with the Melbourne rumours hinting at an October date.
"We have a lot of good people who have organised the races for many years," he said.
Promoters of the traditional Canadian round at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve fell out with F1 chief executive Ecclestone last year over a dispute about race fees.
An earlier dispute also saw the other North American round, the United States grand prix at Indianapolis, stage its last race in 2007.