Francois Dumontier, the promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, has stated that Montreal will not be adopting the Formula 1 ‘sprint’ race format in the foreseeable future.
Francois Dumontier, the promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, has stated that Montreal will not be adopting the Formula 1 ‘sprint’ race format in the foreseeable future.
Speaking to Le Journal de Montreal, Dumontier revealed that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was initially set to host F1’s first sprint race weekend in 2000, but the plan was scrapped due to the covid pandemic.
The newspaper reported that Liberty Media is now asking promoters to pay an additional $4 million to host a sprint format event, which in their view adds more racing action.
“We had to organize the first one, but now it’s too expensive,” Dumontier affirmed. “We wonder if it’s worth it.”
“I am actually passionate about our current formula with free practice, qualifying, and the race,” he continued. “It’s traditional, but it’s the right one.”
Dumontier also challenged the notion put forth by F1 that sprint formats provide more action for spectators over the weekend.
“In fact,” Dumontier noted, “the (sprint) sessions are shorter.”
