Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal could stand an upgrade. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Canadian GP Contract Delayed Over Upgrade Cost: A new deal for the Canadian Grand Prix could be delayed, as organizers discover the renovation of the aging Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will cost more than expected. Bernie Ecclestone has said he is happy to ink a new long-term deal for the Montreal race, so long as the track is brought up to standard with some renovations. La Presse newspaper reports that the original estimate of the renovation was $25 million, but a source 'very close' to the discussions now reveals that the actual quote commissioned by the government has come back at $40 million. The quote has reportedly forced a "reassessment," and the delay of a definitive deal with F1's chief executive for now.

Williams' Clever Brake Duct Innovation Legal: Williams has impressed F1's eagle-eyed technical experts with an innovation aboard its new FW35. Although designer Mike Coughlan's Coanda exhaust solution will have to be removed from the 2013 car, respected German correspondent Michael Schmidt reports on Friday that a clever brake duct solution is fully legal. The British team probably got the idea from Red Bull, who were ordered by the FIA to remove a similar solution from the title-winning RB8 last year. The governing body ruled that Red Bull was using the brake ducts as an aerodynamic aid, by channeling airflow through the wheel with the rim, hub and nut all playing a role. But Auto Motor und Sport's Schmdit said Williams' version is legal, crucially because the exit holes for the airflow are stationary, meaning the layout cannot be deemed a banned movable aerodynamic device.

Hulkenberg Changes Shoes To Fit In Sauber: Sauber has found a highly-technical solution to the problem of Nico Hulkenberg's oversized feet. Earlier this month, we reported that the tall German's feet are a tight squeeze in the footwell of his new C32, and "The car cannot be rebuilt," Bild newspaper said. Hulkenberg grappled with the problem at the recent Jerez test by literally cutting away at the heel and toe of his racing boots. Now, the 25-year-old tells Auto Motor und Sport: "The problem was simply that we did not have the correct size (boot). We have the right shoes now, and they fit. We did not need to change the chassis."

Williams Not Replacing Gillan, Wolff: Williams is not planning to replace Mark Gillan, the chief operations engineer who was credited with helping the team recover its lost form in 2012. Gillan left Williams late last year, but at the time the Grove-based team did not say if it intended to recruit from elsewhere to fill the vacancy. "You have to remember," said chief designer Mike Coughlan, "there's a lot of people moving forward in their careers." Coughlan had been asked by Britain's Sky Sports if Williams were now actively on the market to replace figures like Gillan, and the Mercedes-defector Toto Wolff. "We look at it as one door closing, another door opening," Coughlan continued, "and a tremendous opportunity for some young people. What you may lose in experience, you certainly make up for in dedication," he added. Asked again if Williams is looking to directly replace Gillan or Wolff in the short term, Coughlan insisted: "No, not at all."