Ecclestone to chair Canadian GP charity event

On June 10, just a few hours before Formula 1’s first laps are turned on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal will experience “The Grand Evening", the inaugural official soirée of the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix, an exclusive event which will benefit local charities.

At a press conference held Tuesday in Montréal, it was announced that Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of Formula 1 Management and Michael Fortier, Strategic Counsel for the law firm Ogilvy Renault and investment bank, Morgan Stanley, have accepted to co-chair the inaugural event. All profits from the evening, which is being organized by Octane Racing Group, promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, will be donated to the Sainte Justine University Hospital Center UHC Foundation and the Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Foundation.

“We wanted to mark in spectacular fashion, the return of Formula 1 to Montréal, and at the same time launch a grand new tradition," said François Dumontier, President of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the event. “Our wish is that from now on, the Thursday evening prior to the first Formula 1 laps on track, will become a grand social rendezvous that brings together the Montréal community and personalities attending the Canadian Grand Prix. More importantly, for years to come, all profits from this “Grand Evening" be donated to local charities."

François Dumontier was joined at the press conference by one of the co-chairs of the event, Michael Fortier, who was delighted to be associated with the new event, which will serve causes that are dear to him. “I am very proud to be associated with the return of the Canadian Grand Prix. This inaugural evening will mark the success of our joined actions. That this evening becomes an opportunity to collect valuable funds for local charities, gives it a greater dimension. I invite the Montréal community to partner with Bernie, François and I to make this Grand Evening a resounding success."

Back in London following his return from the Chinese Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone sent the following statement: “It is with great pleasure that I have accepted to co-chair with Michael Fortier “The Grand Evening". On the night before its first laps on track, the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix had to be officially launched in such fashion. I will be glad to be present, along with other Formula 1 personalities, together with the Montréal community enjoying a great evening and serving great causes."

At the press conference, it was also stipulated that “The Grand Evening" is organized right here in Montréal by Octane Racing Group, and entirely produced locally. The event is an official activity of the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Canada and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada. Tickets for the 6 pm cocktail, the 7:30 pm dinner and the evening are currently being offered at $1,000 each. Table for 10 will cost $10,000. You can obtain more information by visiting www.gillesvilleneuve.ca or by contacting the management at the Canadian Grand Prix at 514 350-4731.