Canada to host GP in 2010 – Ecclestone

UPDATE (GMM) The mayor of Montreal on Tuesday clarified that no deal to reinstate the Canadian grand prix in 2010 has been done.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone was earlier quoted by the Swiss magazine Motorsport Aktuell as saying "I promise we will be in Montreal in 2010".

But mayor Gerald Tremblay told French language radio RDS that negotiations are still ongoing, and that Ecclestone has not modified his previous unacceptable offer.

Ecclestone also said on Tuesday that while an F1 return to Indianapolis is not on the cards, his sport could host a United States grand prix somewhere else "the year after (2011)".

08/04/09 (GMM) Canada is set to return to the formula one calendar next year, Bernie Ecclestone has promised.

"I promise we will be in Montreal in 2010," the F1 chief executive told Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event was omitted from this year's schedule after Ecclestone could not agree financial terms with race organizers.

But he has been under intense pressure to reinstate the race as soon as possible, especially as the crucial North American market is now completely missing from the calendar.

"Everyone in formula one loves the Canadian grand prix," Ecclestone admitted.

He had bad news, however, for those hoping the United States might quickly return to the schedule. "Forget Indianapolis. We're not going back there," said the 78-year-old Briton.

Ecclestone also suggested that Great Britain's annual date is not under threat, explaining that if Donington can deliver a formula one race "then we will be there".

"If not, then we will be staying in Silverstone," he added.

Ecclestone also said he hopes Korea and India are the next countries to host grands prix.