Canadian Grand Prix promoter François Dumontier is proud that in less than a year the old pit garages at the iconic Circuit Gille Villeneuve have been replaced by stylish new structures in time for this weekend's race - Round 7 of the Formula 1 World Championship.
The new complex was inaugurated two weeks ago in the presence of F1 boss Chase Carey, is simply spectacular and consistent with the sketches unveiled in December 2017.
Dumontier told the Journal, "I remember the date very well. It was July 3rd and it was very hot. Yes, it made me feel a little emotional witnessing the destruction of the [old] garages, but I was also relieved to see that the work could finally begin. "
The refurbishment of the facilities was an essential condition for the extension of the Formula 1 contract to ensure the hosting of the event until 2029 and beyond.
"We've been talking about it for a long time. By 2007, we already had plans," added the promoter.
After years of city government procrastination, the green light was finally given last year. Initially budgeted at approximately $32-million in 2014, the construction bill finally amounted to $59-million of public funds.
Dumontier is proud of the revamped facilities, "There is no embarrassment for Montreal. We move to another level. The Canadian Grand Prix is now part of the major leagues."
"I cannot wait to welcome the big visit and show our new facilities to the various stakeholders of F1. They had been wanting changes for years. They will be satisfied, just as much as the spectators."
Invariably the work had setbacks including disputes with the contractors, while the north American winter also did them no favours but now that the slog is over, but Dumontier remained positive throughout.
"The winter was rigorous," he told reporters, "Which was also a headache for the employees assigned to the site, but I knew that everything would be finished on time. And that's the case. We are ready and I am very proud of it."
"We can now think about the future. We are here for a long time. We did not do this work to lose the Grand Prix in 2029. I think F1 needs Montreal and the opposite applies. When we lost our race in 2009, everyone wanted it to return to the calendar the following year. And that's what happened. "
As for this weekend's 49th Canadian Grand Prix, and 39th in Montreal, Dumontier said, "We obviously want good weather, but we are never safe from bad weather...
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/06/11/canadian-grand-prix-team-driver-reports-photos/
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