Canadian GP Press Conference Release (05)

News Update for Immediate Release



For the Sainte Justine University Hospital Center 
UHC Foundation and Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de 
Montréal Foundation


Bernie Ecclestone and Michael Fortier, Named Honorary Co-Chair of
"The Grand Evening" Presented by Mercedes-Benz at the Canadian Grand Prix



Montréal, April 20, 2010 - On June 10, just a few 
hours before Formula 1's first laps are turned on 
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal will 
experience "The Grand Evening", the inaugural 
official soirée of the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix, 
an exclusive event which will benefit local 
charities.


At a press conference held Tuesday in Montréal, 
it was announced that Bernie Ecclestone, 
President and CEO of Formula 1 Management and 
Michael Fortier, Strategic Counsel for the law 
firm Ogilvy Renault and investment bank, Morgan 
Stanley, have accepted to co-chair the inaugural 
event. All profits from the evening, which is 
being  organized by Octane Racing Group, promoter 
of the Canadian Grand Prix, will be donated to 
the Sainte Justine University Hospital Center UHC 
Foundation and the Hôpital Sacré-Coeur de 
Montréal Foundation.


"We wanted to mark in spectacular fashion, the 
return of Formula 1 to Montréal, and at the same 
time launch a grand new tradition," said François 
Dumontier, President of Octane Racing Group and 
promoter of the event. "Our wish is that from now 
on, the Thursday evening prior to the first 
Formula 1 laps on track, will become a grand 
social rendezvous that brings together the 
Montréal community and personalities attending 
the Canadian Grand Prix.  More importantly, for 
years to come, all profits from this "Grand 
Evening" be donated to local charities."


François Dumontier was joined at the press 
conference by one of the co-chairs of the event, 
Michael Fortier, who was delighted to be 
associated with the new event, which will serve 
causes that are dear to him. "I am very proud to 
be associated with the return of the Canadian 
Grand Prix. This inaugural evening will mark the 
success of our joined actions. That this evening 
becomes an opportunity to collect valuable funds 
for local charities, gives it a greater 
dimension. I invite the Montréal community to 
partner with Bernie, François and I to make this 
Grand Evening a resounding success."


Back in London following his return from the 
Chinese Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone sent the 
following statement: "It is with great pleasure 
that I have accepted to co-chair with Michael 
Fortier "The Grand Evening". On the night before 
its first laps on track, the Canadian Formula 1 
Grand Prix had to be officially launched in such 
fashion. I will be glad to be present, along with 
other Formula 1 personalities, together with the 
Montréal community enjoying a great evening and 
serving great causes."


At the press conference, it was also stipulated 
that "The Grand Evening" is organized right here 
in Montréal by Octane Racing Group, and entirely 
produced locally. The event is an official 
activity of the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix in 
collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Canada and the 
Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada. Tickets 
for the 6 pm cocktail, the 7:30 pm dinner and the 
evening are currently being offered at $1,000 
each. Table for 10 will cost $10,000. You can 
obtain more information by visiting 
www.gillesvilleneuve.ca or by contacting the 
management at the Canadian Grand Prix at 514 
350-4731.


- End -



Media Information:
Normand Prieur
Advices * Ideas * Words
On behalf of Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada
Office: 450 492-6963 - Mobile: 514 836-6963
nprieur@videotron.ca



Photo Conference F1.jpg
It was announced Tuesday that a social event "The 
Grand Evening" would be held on Thursday night 
prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, an exclusive 
event which will benefit this year Hôpital 
Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Foundation, and Sainte 
Justine Hospital UHC Foundation. Present at the 
conference held in Montreal were Michael Fortier, 
Co-Chair of the event on the left, Benoit 
Tremblay, General Manager of Hôpital Sacré-Coeur 
de Montréal Foundation, Anièle Lecoq, President 
and General Manager of Sainte Justine Hospital 
UHC Foundation, and François Dumontier, President 
of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the Grand 
Prix, on the right.
Photo credit: Muriel Brousseau