Montreal mayor plays down F1 race fears

Jul.26 (GMM) Montreal's mayor has played down reports the 2017 Canadian grand prix is in serious doubt.

Le Journal de Montreal newspaper reports that some fans have been unable to secure early-bird tickets for next year's race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

It follows F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's recent criticism of the North American event.

"He talked about North America in general," Montreal mayor Denis Coderre insisted. "Do not get excited or worried."

Coderre added that he expects more information to be available "shortly".

But when a Journal de Montreal reporter phoned the race organisers in a bid to obtain an early-bird ticket, the response was: "We do not know if the Canadian grand prix will take place next year."