The F1 Canadian Grand Prix "will run" at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal until at least '29, according to the CP. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and reps of the federal and Quebec governments on Friday pledged $98.2M (all figures C) to a five-year extension of a contract with F1 owners Liberty Media. The current contract for the event -- which was held yesterday -- was set to expire in '24. The federal government will put in $36.2M, the province $28M and the city $34M. Quebec will also put $18M toward "improvements to the race venue at Jean Drapeau Parc." Coderre said that work will "begin after next year's Grand Prix and will be completed" in time for the '19 race. The race, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this weekend, has been "held at the venue" since '78. Its paddocks, garages and control tower are "considered antiquated and undersized" (CP, 6/10). In Montreal, Walter Buchignani writes the city "delivered yet another successful Grand Prix" with yesterday's race, won by Lewis Hamilton. The grandstands were "packed on race day and fuller than typically seen at other F1 venues around the globe during Saturday qualifying and the Friday practice sessions." There was no "doubt the glorious weather played a large part in drawing people to the streets and circuit" (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 6/12).
