(Miami) Casually, the Canadian Grand Prix is fast approaching. With the approach of the largest annual sporting event in the country, the director of communications, Sandrine Garneau, insists: “the only official event of the Grand Prix du Canada is at the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit”.
It’s that during the weekend of the Grand Prix, the atmosphere extends beyond Île Notre-Dame, into downtown Montreal. The city vibrates to the rhythm of Formula 1.
“There are some who do it really well, but we also have a bit of negative press associated with that”, notes Sandrine Garneau, met Friday at the Miami Grand Prix.
“We are not involved in this at all. We are not responsible for everything that happens in town, on Crescent, on Peel.
“We have to find a balance, with the help of Bell, to fill this void so that it respects the values of the company and that the event is well represented. At the moment, we’re not in a position to take up all that space, but that’s the goal. »
It’s been two years since François Dumontier sold his company, Octane, which promotes the Canadian Grand Prix, to Bell. The contract is valid until 2031. According to Dumontier, also present during our interview under the Florida sun, this partnership offers more possibilities of greatness for the Montreal event.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
François Dumontier, President and CEO of the Canadian Grand Prix
“I like sport, but the Grand Prix of Canada, I have it in the guts, he drops. […] With Bell, we can think of developing, perhaps growing. We can think of doing things that before, when I was all alone… Let’s say a show, activities in the city center, making all that grow…”, he suggests.
“When we look at this here [à Miami], we say: we would like that, too, to do such and such a deal. But I think with a partner like [Bell]now we can think [le faire]. »
The last straight line
For Formula 1 fans, the countdown is on. In less than six weeks, the 10 teams will be back on the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit. For François Dumontier and his team, who talk about Formula 1 all year round, this is the home stretch of a long process.
When we met on May 6, the promoter was satisfied with the way the preparation was progressing. Last year, his team was slowed in setting up facilities due to late snowfall on April 18. This year, there was the day of freezing rain; the team had to stop working for a few days due to broken trees and icy structures on the site. Nevertheless, the deadlines are currently being respected.
We started early this year to build the stands. There was still a lot of snow on the ground. It’s going well on that side. We are on target.
Francois Dumontier
Last year, the circuit’s capacity had been increased “by several tens of thousands of places”, the promoter told The Press at the end of April. Maximum capacity was reached. This year, the team had to be creative.
“We sat down with our engineer, and we looked at whether we were able to add one or two rows, even just 30 benches,” he explains. We managed to add a little. We did the same exercise at the lodge level. We also managed to add a terrace. »
Complete… and popular
When it comes to ticket sales, François Dumontier couldn’t ask for better.
“I’m fine, sooner [que d’habitude], says the promoter. We offer a renewal to our ticket holders and, after the Grand Prix last year, it started. After that, we put our tickets on sale and it went just as quickly. In September, we were almost full. »
In terms of enthusiasm, Formula 1 has had some good times. According to the 56-year-old, ticket sales are going just as well for the other 22 Grands Prix around the world.
“I’ve been working in Formula 1 for 30 years. I’ve seen a lot of cycles. Here we are at the top of a cycle. This is the case of sport in general, but of each event as well. »
Where Montreal stands out, believes the promoter, is when it comes to crowds. Explanations: “In other Grands Prix, they will sell the tickets, but the spectator will not make the three days. We sell our tickets and they are used. Last year, Friday was bigger than our Sunday in 2019. It’s always been that way. »
“The teams tell us that it’s always full at home on Fridays because it’s a happening “, he adds.
Dumontier recalls in passing that the Grand Prix du Canada is the “biggest sporting and tourist event in Canada”, while 57% of ticket holders come from outside Quebec.