Canadian Grand Prix axed
The Canadian Grand Prix has been dropped from next year’s Formula One calendar.
Race promoter Normand Legault told a press conference that he had received a letter from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirming that Montreal would not be hosting a race in 2004 due to national anti-tobacco laws.
The legislation was announced in 1997, and the Montreal race was given a seven-year grace period before tough new laws curbing tobacco advertising at sporting events are introduced on October 1.
The Gilles Villeneuve circuit, named after the late Ferrari ace, has been home to the event since 1977.
Legault said the decision will hurt the city because the weekend event in June has drawn crowds of more than 300,000.
“There’s an important economic impact,” said Legault. “There will be an important negative impact on Montreal’s tourism.”
Last week, the 2004 Belgium GP at Spa-Francorchamps was reinstated after a year out when laws on tobacco advertising were watered down for sporting events.
