Montreal officals to discuss 2009 Canadian GP with Ecclestone

Government officials from Montreal will fly to London for a meeting with Bernie Ecclestone today and this in attempt to save the 2009 Canadian Grand Prix. The government wants to offer its help to the organisers of the race as the event is worth around $75 million to the local economy.

Raymond Bachand, the Quebec Minister for Economic Development, said to the 'Montreal Gazette': "If we are able to reasonably and responsibly save this event, we will do it. The grand prix is a big event, it's the biggest tourism event, but how much does it bring in concretely, not only in spin-offs but in cash in our pockets as citizens, as taxpayers.

"I'm going to negotiate with Mr Ecclestone, so we will keep our cards to ourselves."