The impending debut of Formula E racing in Montreal has already caused its fair share of runaround: oncoming traffic and construction woes are worrying merchants, and taxpayers are still processing the $24 million price tag.

However, even those fans who are invested in the Formula E experience are noting discrepancies between ticket prices in Montreal compared to other cities that have previously hosted similar events.

Yves Racette, a dedicated Formula E fan, shelled out $50 for a ticket to next Saturday’s race— but the ticket is standing room only. Patrons hoping to take a seat on the grandstands downtown could be set back $81.

But in other cities, like Monaco – the ePrix is a bi-annual event in Monte Carlo – a ticket to a Formula E race will cost around 20 euros, or 30 Canadian dollars.

“Of course people would always like to have cheaper tickets, but it’s not always possible because the event has to make money somewhere,” Racette told CTV Montreal.

“There’s going to be people who compare the prices with other races in other cities—but the price is right for North America,” Racette added.

Projet Montreal councillor Alex Norris disagrees.

“Only in Montreal are we shelling out tens of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money and have to pay more for tickets for the privilege to attend this event,” Norris said.

And the ticket prices only increase from the $50 starting point. The most expensive tickets are for the event’s “premium seats”: seats that offer a view of the starting line or pit exit for approximately $131 apiece.

The City of Montreal wouldn’t give an exact number when asked how many tickets had been purchased for the race.

Mayor Denis Coderre has said that he hopes the Formula E race will establish Montreal’s status as a racing city. But those who are dedicated to the sport, like racing journalist Pino Asaro, maintain that there’s no expectation that the Formula E Race will eclipse – or even approach—the popularity of its counterpart, the Grand Prix.

"You can’t compare because Formula 1 establishes the world champion— it’s always been the maximum expression of motorsports,” Asaro explained. “Everything else comes second.”