MONTREAL, QC - One of the Quebec crowd favorite open-wheel series, Formula 1600, is returning to the Canadian Grand Prix as a support series for the June 11-13 weekend of activities on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Octane Racing Group, promoter of the event, is happy to announce today that close to 40 drivers from Québec, Ontario and the North East of the United States are expected to take part in the two races scheduled for Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. A regular feature on the Grand Prix program, Formula 1600 last competed during an F1 weekend in 2007.
"If there is an open wheel series where Quebec drivers are plentiful, it's in the Formula 1600 Series," said François Dumontier, president of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the event. "Not only does this group of motor racing passionates always put on a great show on the track, they also make their presence felt in the Canadian Grand Prix support paddocks with great social gatherings with family, friends, and fans. We are happy to support them once again with an opportunity to be part of our event. Our numerous Quebec supporters can relate in many ways to the drivers of that series, and it is important that a local motor car series be part of our race weekend. Despite many drawbacks, those who oversee the Formula 1600 keep this open wheel series running with seasoned veterans clashing against up and coming drivers."
"We are happy to return to the Canadian Grand Prix. For all our drivers, team members and their sponsors, this is great news," remarked Marcel Lafontaine, driver and also President of the Formula Tour 1600. "Everyone loves to run at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and to know that we will be sharing the same track, the same podium on the same weekend as Formula One drivers is an extraordinary source of motivation. Once again, I am convinced that the level of competition will be very high. I think that this announcement will draw close to 40 drivers from Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces, Ontario and the United States to come and compete at the Canadian Grand Prix."
This type of series has a long and glorious 40 years of motor racing history. Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Pedro de la Rosa, and Adrian Sutil of the current field of Formula One drivers have all excelled in this series at the beginning of their career. Former World Champions Mika Hakkinen, Damon Hill, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Jody Scheckter, and the great Ayrton Senna, just to name a few, have all made their marks in this open wheel series. The current Canadian version of the F1600 championship uses spec engines and tires. The wingless open wheel cars are powered by a four-cylinder Ford engine, and are shod on Dunlop treaded tires used for dry and wet track conditions. To illustrate the range of ages of drivers that compete in Formula 1600, fans could see at the Canadian Grand Prix 16-year old up-and-coming Quebec driver Jerimy Daniel locking wheels with racing enthusiast Lewis MacKenzie, born in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1940.
Those wishing to obtain grandstand tickets and general admission can contact the Canadian Grand Prix box office at 514 350-0000 which is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. They can also visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca, at any time to order online.
As a reminder, the organizers are also offering a variety of corporate packages for both small and large companies and other groups who wish to attend the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix. To make a reservation or to obtain further information, those interested should contact Julie Rioux-Paquette and Marie-Claude Boucher at 514 350-4731. Always popular, corporate packages for the Canadian Grand Prix sell out quickly.
A Canadian company established in Montreal, Octane Racing Group Inc. is the promoter of the FORMULA 1 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX by virtue of an agreement made with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula 1 World Championship Limited (together the holder of commercialization rights to F1).
Photo Schraenen F-1600: 2009 F1600 Series Champion, Didier Schraenen #94, battling with Pat White and Michel Bonnet #2 in the Senna esses at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Photo credit: Muriel Brousseau
Photo Sweeney - Labbée: Patrick Sweeney #77 pulls away from Jonathan Labbée #47 in the East Hairpin of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Photo credit: Muriel Brousseau
From Celina Machado // National Press Officer // Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada
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