Indeed, it looks a lot like the Grand Prix will stay in Montreal until 2024.

That word now coming from F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone himself.

In a CJAD exclusive interview, Ecclestone confirmed what we were hearing yesterday; that barring a last-minute snag, the Grand Prix is safe for the next dozen years.

"All the things that need to be done, have been done," the 82-year-old Ecclestone told CJAD News on the phone from London. "So we're in good shape.

"Look forward to catching up with you in June."

While he's optimistic, he wouldn't give any further details on the pending deal, or details on how much the deal would cost the city and the province. There were reports suggesting the deal would involve an upgrade to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, particularly to the garage and paddock areas, but Ecclestone deferred the question.

He added, too, that the Montreal race is a good one that F1 officials and racers look forward to every year.

"Everybody in Formula One enjoy Montreal, we like Montreal, and we want to stay there."

In 2009, the race was cancelled following a dispute between Ecclestone and local organizers and politicians. Back then, there were concerns about the long-term future of F1 racing in Montreal.

Photo: AP