Canada, Aug 22: Canadian Grand Prix chiefs will make a last-ditch attempt this weekend to persuade Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone not to axe their race. Montreal race promoter Normand Legault admits the chances of reversing the decision to drop the race from the calendar from next year are slim.
But he, Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay and Canadian Justice Minister Martin Cauchon are planning to meet Ecclestone and team bosses for talks before the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Ecclestone's Formula One Management said this month it had cancelled the race because of the federal government's ban on tobacco-related sponsorship, which comes into force next year.
Formula One is heavily backed by tobacco companies, with three of the top four teams sponsored by them.

Canada has had a grand prix since 1967 and Montreal has hosted the race at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit since 1978.
"The law is the law and in Canada we have already benefited from a seven-year grace period for Formula One," said Legault.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

"That's why we want to see with Bernie if there's not a way where Formula One could still race in Canada even if it is without tobacco branding.

"We believe that as much as it is important for Formula One to develop new markets, it is also important for Formula One and some of its major stakeholders - the car manufacturers - to be present in their main markets."


Bureau Report