Ageing water pipes could threaten Canada’s formula one race, according to a report by Montreal city auditor Jacques Bergeron.
A report summary published in the Montreal Gazette said much of the water system on the man-made Il Notre Dame dates back to the mid-60s, when it was built for Expo 67.
It is now the site of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, scene of next month’s eighth round of the 2010 world championship.
The audit report said there have been 32 water pipe breaks between 2003 and 2008 and a "rupture ... could jeopardise the formula one event".
In other Canadian grand prix news, the race’s new promoter Francois Dumontier has admitted the race has not attracted a title sponsor for 2010.
La Presse, estimating the financial shortfall at $4-5 million, quotes him as saying big companies in the country and region should "look more closely at this wonderful event".
On a brighter note, Dumontier said ticket sales are up 12 per cent compared to the last time Montreal hosted formula one in 2008.