Montreal gets CART race for 2002

The 2.74-mile track, which currently hosts the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, has sealed a five-year deal with CART, through the Molstar Sports arm of Canadian brewery firm Molson, to host a race at the Quebec city from 2002 to 2006.

Molstar Sports already runs the two annual Canadian Champ Car dates at Toronto in July and Vancouver in September, which are among the most popular on the schedule for both fans and competitors. Vancouver's date looked set to be dropped for 2002 as series bosses were not keen to have three events in Canada, but Molstar Sports boss Bob Singleton suggested that Vancouver's contract could yet be extended.

"We're excited to be bringing the Molson Indy to Montreal in 2002. Our commitment to the event will be the same as it has been in Toronto and Vancouver," he said. "As it stands right now, in 2001, we have sanctioning agreements in Toronto and Vancouver. The dialogue is ongoing with Vancouver. I want to make it clear that, from our perspective, Montreal does not replace Vancouver."

CART president and chief executive officer Joseph Heitzler said that the addition of Montreal was a major boost to the Champ Car schedule. He added: "We're confident with Molson's success in promoting CART races and the loyalty of Canadian race fans throughout the country, and that we will enjoy another successful event for years to come."

The move opens up the prospect of a direct comparison between modern Champ Cars and Formula 1 machinery at the Montreal circuit, although it is believed that the Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, would demand layout changes to the circuit for each championship.