Edmonton Indy lost 3.9 million - Mike Conway and J.R. Hildebrand will test F1

After losing $5.3 million a year before, the city of Edmonton wasn´t that happy when the bill for 2009 arrived much higher than expected. According to the Edmonton Journal the promotors Northland and the city expected a shortfall of $1.5 million, which will be covered by the city council. The loss widened due to the economic crisis and ower-than-anticipated grants from the provincial and federal governments to $3.9 million, according to Northlands president Ken Knowles. Northland expected $2 million from federal and provincial grants but only received $400,000.

On the other hand the economic impact of the race generates an estimated $80 million to the region, therefore the $3.9 million can be seen an investment for a worldclass marketing tool. The city council will decide on December 7th about the future of the race. The city´s contract with Northlands and the IRL will end after the 2010 race, which will be held on next July, 25th.

IZOD IndyCar Series rookie Mike Conway from Dreyer & Reinbold racing will be participating the young drivers test days with the F1 worldchampionchip outfit of Mercedes GP, formerly known as Brawn GP. The test is scheduled from December 1-3, at the spanish racetrack in Jerez de la Fronterra. Conway already tested with the Brawn GP predessesor Honda in the years 2007 and 2008.


At the same time and place American Rookie and Indy Lights champion J.R. Hildebrand from Sausalito, California will test the actual Mercedes-Benz powered VJM02 F1 car from Team Force India. The 21-year old´s test drive follows an impressive showing at the teams F1 simulator in England."I'm ecstatic about being given the chance to drive a Formula 1 car for the Force India F1 Team," says Hildebrand. "I know it will be a challenge but I'm ready to take it on, and look forward to getting as much as I can out of the whole experience. It's an incredible way to cap off an already very special year and I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

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