Canadian GP Confirms F1 Return

The Canadian Grand Prix will return to the F1 calendar next year after organisers reached an agreement with the sport’s supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The Canadian GP, which had been part of the F1 World Championship since 1967, was dropped for this season as a result of a financial disagreement.

However, the Montreal race has now been provisionally agreed to return to the calendar for 6th June 2010.

The full calendar is not expected to be confirmed until October and Ecclestone has yet to comment on Canada’s return.

‘I’ve always been confident of being able to resolve the dispute,’ said race organiser Normand Legault.

‘I never doubted the Canadian race would regain its rightful place on the FIA schedule, and my discussions with F1 management led me to believe the event would return soon.

‘The race is important not only for Formula 1, but also for the teams, manufacturers and sponsors.

‘I am also happy for the Canadian Grand Prix’s many fans because they are true F1 enthusiasts who appreciate the real value of the spectacle and the competition.’

The dispute was between local organisers, Grand Prix F1 du Canada and Formula One Administration, which holds the commercial rights to the F1 series.

The omission of the Canadian GP during the current campaign ensured there was no North American event on the F1 calendar, with the United States Grand Prix being omitted since 2007.

Since 1982 the Canadian GP had been held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.