Canadian GP not under threat amid region’s wildfires

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Next week’s Canadian Grand Prix is not believed to be under threat amid the country’s raging wildfires that have sent colossal clouds of heavy smoke through the Quebec region and into eastern US.

The intense fires have led to grounded flights and forced thousands to evacuate, and their effect is being felt in New York and as far south as the US state of Georgia, creating hazardous air quality for millions.

Canada is now projected to see its largest area on record burned by wildfires this year.

However, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto were seeing considerable improvements in air quality on Thursday according to government officials.

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Formula 1 is obviously monitoring the situation along with the Canadian Grand Prix’s local promoter. But so far, a disruption of next week’s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is not being considered.

“We have been assured by all the relevant information that the situation in Montreal at this time is different to other parts of the country and Northern US and the risk remains low and air quality is good in Montreal,” said a spokesperson for Formula 1, quoted by Dutch website RacingNews365.

Montreal's showcase F1 event was hard hit by the Covid pandemic that forced the cancellation of the race in 2021 and 2022.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.