MONTREAL (AP) — Quebec Premier Pauline Marois says she hopes to reach an agreement that will keep Formula One racing in Montreal after the current deal expires in 2014.
Marois met with F1 head Bernie Ecclestone on Sunday before the start of the Canadian Grand Prix. Quebec Finance Minister Nicolas Marceau and Canadian Grand Prix promoter Francois Dumontier were also part of the five-minute meeting in the paddocks at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Marois says she told Ecclestone the parties can reach a “win-win” agreement.
The city’s contract with Formula One expires after the 2014 race. Talks to extend the deal have bogged down over resistance by the Canadian federal government to increase its $15 million annual contribution.
The Montreal event is the circuit’s only race in Canada.
