Jun.13 (GMM) Forecast rain in Montreal on Sunday is expected to stay away until after the Canadian grand prix.

Very early in the morning in the Canadian city, the skies are cloudy but so far not dropping any rain on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

In fact, Sunday’s should be the warmest afternoon seen for several days in Montreal, which is good news for the performance of the Bridgestone tyres.

The race, beginning at 12pm local time, will be staged over 70 laps.

Ageing water pipes could threaten Canada’s formula one race, according to a report by Montreal city auditor Jacques Bergeron.

A report summary published in the Montreal Gazette said much of the water system on the man-made Il Notre Dame dates back to the mid-60s, when it was built for Expo 67.

It is now the site of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, scene of next month’s eighth round of the 2010 world championship.

The audit report said there have been 32 water pipe breaks between 2003 and 2008 and a “rupture … could jeopardise the formula one event”.

In other Canadian grand prix news, the race’s new promoter Francois Dumontier has admitted the race has not attracted a title sponsor for 2010.

La Presse, estimating the financial shortfall at $4-5 million, quotes him as saying big companies in the country and region should “look more closely at this wonderful event”.

On a brighter note, Dumontier said ticket sales are up 12 per cent compared to the last time Montreal hosted formula one in 2008.

(GMM)

Apr.21 (GMM)  A naming sponsorship is possible but not crucial ahead of Canada’s return to the F1 calendar in 2010.

After its absence in 2009, the popular Montreal race is back this year with a June 13 date. But unlike most other events on the calendar it has not yet announced a title sponsor. “Yes, there are companies (interested in sponsorship),” the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve event’s new promoter Francois Dumontier told RDS.

“But with a partnership the important thing is long-term visibility.  So we are working on that rather than solely on 2010.” The new $75 million Canadian GP contract is for five races.