While the Canadian Grand Prix yesterday was a celebration of the F1 race’s 40th anniversary in Montreal, race promoter François Dumontier’s focus "will soon shift" to launching the '19 event "into the 'modern era,'" according to Kevin Mio of the MONTREAL GAZETTE. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s "outdated paddocks and team garages, which have been around for 31 years, have a date with the wrecking ball to make way for new paddocks in time for next year’s race." The new venue, being built by the city of Montreal at a cost of C$76M, will "house garages, team facilities and suites above the garages for 5,000 race fans." Although the project is "being funded and spearheaded by the city of Montreal, Dumontier’s Octane Racing Group had input in the process, especially when it came to F1-specific amenities." The F1 teams will see a "major change in the amount of space they have in the new facilities -- especially the permanent space." New technology will also be "integrated into the garages." Fans in the suites above the garages "will also see upgrades." They will have a "better view of the track thanks to grandstands that will extend over the pit lane." Dumontier said that the changes are "slated to be completed by May so his team will have a month to work out any last-minute issues." Heineken, which chose the Canadian GP as one of three F1 races to sponsor this year, is "helping move things in the right direction" (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 6/11).
COMPETITIVE BALANCE: In Montreal, Jack Todd asks, "How is it that Formula One at once embraces a compelling, almost unparalleled spectacle and absolute tedium all in one package? And in the same race." There is a "huge gap" between the top teams (among them Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull) and the rest of the field -- a gap that was "up to nearly a full minute" yesterday with a dozen laps to go. Todd: "Somehow, I think all this will still be true at the Montreal Grand Prix in 2050." F1 keeps "growing, seemingly adding another totalitarian state to the circuit every year." The competition "may not be" what fans would like to see on the track -- but sometimes, it is "simply about the spectacle" (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 6/11).
MY BAD: The CP noted Canadian model Winnie Harlow, invited to wave the checkered flag at yesterday's Canadian GP, did so when there were "still two laps" left. The incident "went largely unnoticed -- except by the drivers." Harlow said, "Luckily, there were no serious consequences." Dumontier said that he "does not choose the person who waves the flag." But he added that the situation "needs to be corrected." Dumontier: "First of all, this person was not invited before the race. Someone invited her during the race. I have no control over that. I think, in the excitement of the moment, she waved (the flag), but what do you want to do?" (CP, 6/10).
