Quebec Premier Pauline Marois says she hopes to reach an agreement that will keep Formula One racing in Montreal after the current deal expires in 2014.
Marois met with F1 head Bernie Ecclestone on Sunday before the start of the Canadian Grand Prix. Quebec Finance Minister Nicolas Marceau and Canadian Grand Prix promoter Francois Dumontier were also part of the five-minute meeting in the paddocks at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Marois says she told Ecclestone the parties can reach a ''win-win'' agreement.
The city's contract with Formula One expires after the 2014 race. Talks to extend the deal have bogged down over resistance by the Canadian federal government to increase its $15 million annual contribution.
The Montreal event is the circuit's only race in Canada.
''It's nice to win here, as it's a very special race. Not just the track, but the whole city enjoys the race and it's a nice atmosphere,'' three-time defending Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel said Sunday after winning the race for the first time. ''To me this race belongs 100 percent on the calendar. I think all of us drivers enjoy it.''
