Quote:
Originally Posted by Badger Bob
It was a great moment, but the tifosi acted like idiots. They stormed the track when cars were still on the circuit. Stricter security after with costs passed on to the ticket holders.
Mixed feelings about this situation. The first reaction is extreme disappointment, because of all the great memories over the years. Early June really is the best time of year in Montreal. The city always supported it fully, and you could really feel the anticipation building. The organzers had usually run a professional operation, and were willing to listen to suggestions for improvement (they even use a couple of my ideas!). Plus, there was always so many other things to do over the weekend.
On the downside, a lot of new fans didn't know how to behave. They never even paid attention to the sport until Jacques Villeneuve (shows how far someone can go just on the name) came along. Massive price gouging on the hotel rates resulted with packing too much around the course at Illes Notre-Dame.
The FIA is using the "squabble" excuse to squeeze in the oil money as a replacement. With the cost reduction directive from the top, there's a lot savings from not having to shuttle the cars, drivers, personnel and equipment for only one North American event. After Indy, where they were itching to go to, was dropped, it should've been obvious that Montreal wasn't secure either. If it's not back on for 2010, there's a clear indication that F1 isn't serious about NA.
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Yeah, but Indy was their big mistake. They didn't handle that well. If they truly wanted to make sure it would work out, they would've tested the track extensively, amde sure adjustements were made that wouldn't have led to that debacle.
So, we are paying for their own mistakes made there. Why not just find another NA venue. I know the economy isn't great, still, Vancouver might've hosted an event, or another similar city.
To me, it's a total lack of respect to a city that has been more than faithful and loyal to F1 racing for more than 30 years. I know the bottom line is money, still, the way they did it is just plain wrong.