Montreal 'far from in decline' - promoter

Jun.9 (GMM) Amid declining television and spectator numbers, Canada is one of F1's exceptions.

"As promoters, there are 21 different markets," said Francois Dumontier, organiser of the popular annual Canadian grand prix in Montreal.

"The reality in Sochi or Abu Dhabi is not the same as it is in Montreal," he told La Presse ahead of the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

"We are far from being in decline," Dumontier said.

Renault team boss Frederic Vasseur agrees: "The interest of the public is not necessarily down everywhere."

In fact, he argues there is little wrong with today's F1 spectacle.

"When we complain today about Mercedes' dominance, I recall the years when McLaren won 15 of the 16 races, or Mansell won 14 of 17. It was always like this," Vasseur added.