Bernie Ecclestone has denied reports that he has taken the decision to axe the Canadian Grand Prix from next years calendar, following a strict ban on tobacco advertising there. Last night race promoter Normand Legault told a press conference he had received a letter from Ecclestone confirming Montreal would not be hosting a race in 2004.
However, the F1 supremo today insisted that no such decision has been made yet and said: "I've no idea where this story came from - the calendar for 2004 has not been put out yet or even considered. I don't know what's in my head at the moment, I'm so busy but the calendar for 2004 is not out yet."
Tobacco sponsorship plays a huge role in the funding of Formula One teams and bans on advertising were blamed for the removal of the Austrian Grand Prix this year with cigarette-friendly China and Bahrain effectively replacing the A1 Ring race and now the Canadian event.
A spokeswoman for Canadian health minister Anne McLellan, insisted: "We recognise that there will be an important impact on Montreal's economy but we also have an obligation to protect the health of Canadians. We feel very strongly about our legislation."
Filed by Rob Wright
