Montreal: Bernie's Offer is Unacceptable

After Bernie Ecclestone yesterday promised the Canadian fans (and North American ones, for that matter) that they will have a home grand prix in 2010, the Montreal officials today revealed negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone are still ongoing.

Not only that, but the Canadian capital's mayor Gerald Tremblay told French language radio RDS that the current offer made by the F1 supremo is simply unacceptable. The 78-year old Brit did not update his offer for the Canadian official, which is exactly why nothing has been set for a future F1 event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Talking to Swiss magazine Motorsport Aktuell on Monday, the Formula One boss insisted the sport will return to North America next year, with Montreal in pole position for hosting the event. When asked about the possibility of switching to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ecclestone dismissed the possibility strongly.

However, he did admit F1 is considering an US Grand Prix – especially since a new all-American team will debut in the series next year – from 2011 onwards.

Tremblay might have some strong allies in getting Ecclestone to improve his offer in the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA). As agreed upon by the teams' representatives and the FIA a few weeks ago, when the peace between the two bodies was confirmed, historical venues in Formula One were promised support to either return or remain in the series.