I didn't even look up when the phone rang shortly before noon this past Tuesday.
I was on a tight deadline, having only just returned from a news conference earlier that morning and was busy cutting audio.
If you're unaware, I'm a news reporter for CJAD radio in Montreal. I cover about two to three stories a day of varying degrees of importance. As it turns out, the phone call was the most important call of the day.
My colleague picked up the receiver and handed it over to me.
A woman with a distinct British accent was at the other of the line.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Parent. Please hold for Bernie Ecclestone."
I'd been trying to get a hold of the F1 boss for almost two months, since it was first learned Montreal would be left of the 2009 Grand Prix schedule. It took me a better part of a week just to track down a number for the F1 head offices in London.
Once I had the number, so began an almost daily ritual of calling Bernie Ecclestone. I passed through two secretaries who diligently took my name and number each and every time, even though the annoyance was clearly evident in their voices.
But finally, Ecclestone called back.
Before I could even register my shock, he was on the phone.
The interview went extremely well in that he was very candid and honest with his answers as to why Montreal lost the race. He struck me as being very laid back, like a Jamaican beach bum relaxing in the Caribbean sun.
Not to say there weren't flashes of anger and frustration, particularly when I asked him about claims made by Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay, Quebec's economic minister Raymond Bachand, and former federal industry minister Michel Fortier that Ecclestone's demands were "unreasonable."
"Unreasonable compared to what? We do business worldwide and nobody else thinks we're unreasonable."
"I told them, I said you can come to my office, pull any contract out of our drawer for all the overseas races and take any one of them, cross out the name and put your name and that's what we'll do because what we offered them was less than what we get anywhere else in the world."
In his words, the Canadian Grand Prix was yanked because the race promoter, Normand Legault, defaulted on his contract payment obligations for the last three years, to the tune of $24 million.
"Normand forgot to pay us what he should have paid...had he paid us, we would have continued racing."
He was willing to write off the debt, even though he said that's something the F1 doesn't normally do, provided the city and government signed off on the new deal and guaranteed the money would be paid by them or a reliable promoter.
When I asked Ecclestone what he was asking, he refused to give me the numbers.
"Well, they have the contract, and unlike them, I don't discuss these things."
It was clear he was disappointed the Montreal delegation made public the contract details at a news conference this past weekend, which showed F1 wanted $175 million over the next five years.
The city of Montreal, along with the provincial and federal governments, would only guarantee $110 million plus a percentage of the net profits.
So, what needs to be done to save the Grand Prix in Montreal? The simple answer is: Agree to his terms.
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about 1 month ago
Thanks for sharing. I must say I am not surprised by the Grumpy Old Mans attitude.
from about 1 month ago
He never struck me as grumpy. I don't know what I was expecting but he was a good interview.
about 1 month ago
Indianapolis thought he was unreasonable, Silverstone thought he was unreasonable, I think he's unreasonable.
This is easily my POTD Tim, I listened to the recording, thanks for sharing it with us. Of course, the key question would have been 'so who's rogering Slavica?' but I cannot expect you to stoop to my level!
from about 1 month ago
The mayor of Montreal would agree with your statement about Indianapolis. He said the very same thing yesterday.
about 1 month ago
Very good, thanks for sharing, It's good to see his side of the story and I sort of agree with him a little, if somebody was paying me to stage a party at their house and they didn't pay, the party would be cancelled.
My stars and pick
about 1 month ago
Glad you enjoyed Billy. Thanks for the pick.
about 1 month ago
Nice one mate, I remember interviewing him at Silverstone just after he axed Silverstone, he was not even that grumpy which surprised me.
about 1 month ago
thats exactly what I am talking about
lovely informative article - in the midst of the f-1 times nonsense, just reports the same old story
thanks for doing this - when all from north america (including paul and chef) were crying foul
loved it mate - thanks, picked it too
cheers
from about 1 month ago
refreshing Tim - completely appreciate your time doing this
from about 1 month ago
Glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate the feedback and the pick.
about 1 month ago
Brilliant stuff! How exciting that we should have an article on here that deals with an out and out primary source. Thanks for sharing!
from about 1 month ago
Glad to do it. Plus, if you guys surf over to the CJAD website, it helps our station out. It's win-win!
Also, I think the fans should get an idea first hand of what Ecclestone had to say.
about 1 month ago
Fantastic interview mate, loved your putting the man on the spot over the money
from about 1 month ago
u have my pick and starz
from about 1 month ago
Thanks very much! Glad you liked the interview. I would've had to kick myself if I didn't ask about the cash.
about 1 month ago
It is a shame that a race is not being held in Canada or North America. I had the privilege of attending both the 2004 and 2005 Canadian Grands Prix and they were events that I will never forget. F1 is amazing on TV but in person it is simply unforgettable. Fantastic article.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Geoff ... check out my lament for the Canadian Grand Prix
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/82510-a-lament-for-the-canadian-grand-prix
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