Montreal F1 race keeping traditional June date

MONTREAL There has been speculation that the Canadian Grand Prix will be moved to the autumn, but promoter Francois Dumontier isn’t worried.

He has a contract with Formula One who says the race is to be held in June for at least the next 11 years.

Talk of holding the event later in the year arose when the world’s top motor racing series expressed its support for a proposed race in Miami, where city officials are to vote next week on whether to approve a street race to debut in 2019.

It would be a second U.S.-based F1 race after the one in Austin, Texas, scheduled for Oct. 21, which is followed a week later by the Mexican Grand Prix.

Moving Montreal to an October date would create a four-race North American swing.

Dumontier said in an email that he supports having another North American race, but likes the Canadian Grand Prix’s spot on the schedule as it is. This year’s race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is set for June 10.

“We welcome the idea of another North American race in the fall,” he said.

“We believe it will be beneficial to the sport and will generate interest with new markets and with new fans who wouldn’t necessarily travel to the Canadian GP.

“Our contract states that the Canadian Grand Prix must be held within a two-week period during the month of June until 2029.”

Liberty Media, which took over F1 in 2016, is seeking a greater presence in North America.

On Wednesday, a statement from Sean Bratches, the series’ managing director, commercial operations, supported the Miami bid that’s led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

“Earlier today the City of Miami Commission took an important step by adding an item to their upcoming agenda, that if approved, will make way to bring Formula One to downtown Miami next season,” Bratches said.

“We appreciate the community ’s interest in hosting a Formula One race and look forward to working with local officials and stakeholders to bring this vision to life.

“With over half a billion fans worldwide, Formula One is the greatest racing spectacle on the planet, and Miami’s status as one of the world’s most iconic and glamorous cities, combined with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes Miami the perfect destination for Formula One and its fans.”

The Canadian Grand Prix was held in late September until it moved to June in 1982.

It’s popular with the teams and drivers because of its urban setting and huge crowds.