Canadian Grand Prix organizers signed a "new deal that will keep the Formula 1 grand prix at Montreal" until '29, according to Lawrence Barretto of MOTORSPORT. Talks with former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone about extending the contract, which previously ran to '24, "began last year" and were finalized this month. Part of the deal involved the city of Montreal committing to "providing the funds to upgrade the garage building," which has been in place since '78. Race Promoter François Dumontier said, "It's a long contract and one which gives us time to plan and to work on improving the facilities" (MOTORSPORT, 3/1). In London, Dan Ripley reported following talks with F1 management and the sport's new owner, Liberty Media, Dumontier "admitted he has been convinced that F1 looks in good shape heading into the future." Dumontier: "The meeting was favorable. Their vision of the future is interesting and it's music to our ears. But we have to give them time, because these people are in a very sharp learning curve" (DAILY MAIL, 3/1).
