Canadian GP Not Yet Secure, Organisers Warn

The Canadian Grand Prix organisers received news of the FIA's decision to reinstate the event on the 2004 calendar with cautious optimism, stating they were pleased with the news but nothing was guaranteed.

The FIA's World Motorsport Council published a revised calendar listing the Montreal race as an additional round on June 13th 2004, but the date was subject to a satisfactory financial agreement with the competing teams for running without tobacco sponsorship.

"The conditional return of the Canadian Grand Prix on the 2004 calendar ... is encouraging news. But there is still much work to do before we can confirm that the Grand Prix will be held," race promoter Normand Legault said in a release.

"We are continuing our discussions with Formula One Management to conclude a financial agreement that would please the teams hurt by effects of the anti-tobacco laws. Only such an agreement will ensure the presentation of the Canadian Grand Prix next June."

Three of the top four teams - Ferrari, McLaren and Renault - rely heavily on tobacco sponsorship, which is due to be banned in the European Union from mid 2005. BAR are part-owned by BAT, while Jordan are also backed by a cigarette brand.

Canada was axed when the 2004 calendar was first published last month as a result of local anti-tobacco legislation, along with Austria.