Historic GP Series at the Grand Prix of Canada

MONTREAL, QC - Thirty or so of the open wheel cars that made history in the Formula 1 World Championship from the late sixties through the mid-eighties period, will be competing next June 11-13 at the Grand Prix of Canada, at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Octane Racing Group, promoter of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, is please to announce the return of Historic Grand Prix racing for the Montreal race weekend, round 8 of the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Back in 2004, Historic Grand Prix brought an impressive field of 30 authentic Formula One cars to Montreal where the owners/drivers thrilled the crowd at the Grand Prix du Canada. Not only does this group race the legendary cars, but the owners/drivers also showcase their cars in a tent that is accessible to the general spectators in the support race paddocks.

"We are pleased to bring back to the Grand Prix du Canada, a group of passionate aficionados that offers a spectacular show and also enjoys taking the time to talk with fans that visit with them in the paddocks," said François Dumontier, president of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the event. "Each time they go on track, it is one of the most popular moments of the weekend. The list of cars entered is impressive. It is a true reflection of the history of the first decades of the Canadian Grand Prix. They include cars that our loyal fans can relate to and cars that were successful on Canadian soil."

"We have fond memories from our last visit to Montréal in 2004, and that is why we, at Historic Grand Prix, are thrilled to be invited to the 2010 Grand Prix du Canada," said James King, co-director of HGP. "Our owners/drivers are as enthusiastic about the sport as the fans attending the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. We are quite accessible to the public and willing to share stories about our cars and the men who drove them in the day."

Historic Grand Prix intends to bring to Montreal on the weekend of June 11-13 close to 30 iconic makes, some of which are still competing in Formula One: Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Lotus which is back in the fold this year. Fans will also be able to see Brabhams, Tyrrells, Marchs, Shadows and other makes of a bygone era. Some of these F1 cars have actually been driven by World Champions Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, James Hunt, Mario Andretti, Jody Scheckter et Alan Jones.

"We plan on bringing two Gilles Villeneuve Ferraris to Montréal, his 1978 312 T-4 and the 1979 312 T-5. Both these cars were at the 2004 event and the reception from the Montreal fans was something none of us will forget. Several of us in HGP raced with and knew Gilles in his Formula Atlantic days and we hold him in very special esteem. He was a talent and a character second to none and we are honored to be able to bring some of his history back to Montreal," also added James King.

Historic Grand Prix includes several Canadian owner-drivers who plan to participate in the 2010 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada. Brothers Brad and Dean Baker from Oshawa respectively drive a 1973 BRM P-160 and a 1973 Brabham BT-42. Keith Frieser from Edmonton has a 1973 Shadow DN-1, and Ottawa resident Hamish Somerville drives a Williams FW-07B, the same model that enabled Alan Jones to win the 1980 Grand Prix of Canada and to be crowned that year's Formula 1 World Champion.

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.

Organizers are also offering a variety of corporate packages for both small and large companies and other groups who wish to attend the 2010 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada. 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).

From Celina Machado // National Press Officer // Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada
The attached photo is copyright-free for the media: Historic Grand Prix in action: As if Alan Jones' #27 Williams was being challenged by Gilles Villeneuve's #12 Ferrari.