Canada GP contract delay over upgrade cost

A new deal for the Canadian grand prix could be delayed, as organisers discover the renovation of the ageing Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will cost more than expected.

Bernie Ecclestone has said he is happy to ink a new long-term deal for the Montreal race, so long as the track is brought up to standard with some renovations.

La Presse newspaper reports that the original estimate of the renovation was $25 million, but a source ’very close’ to the discussions now reveals that the actual quote commissioned by the government has come back at $40 million.

The quote has reportedly forced a "reassessment", and the delay of a definitive deal with F1’s chief executive for now.