Formula 1: Canada secures race until 2035 as Bangkok grand prix moves closer

Canada has secured its future on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2035 on the same day as a grand prix in Thailand moved a step closer.

F1 has signed a four-year extension to its deal with the governments of Quebec and Canada for a race in Montreal on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which first hosted F1 in 1978.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s cabinet has approved a bid to host a street race in Bangkok.

The approval of the funding for the race was a necessary step before Thailand could move forward with talks on a contract with Formula 1.

Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub told a news conference that the bid for a race from 2028-32 is worth 40bn Thai baht (£907m).

The plan is build a 3.54-mile circuit on a route around the Chatuchak Park area north east of the city centre.

The Thai government hopes the F1 race will help promote tourism, which is a key driver of the country’s economy.

“In the next two-three years, Thailand will have world-class competition, which we never thought would happen in Thailand,” Jirayu said.