Canadian GP promoter will fight on

Legault confirmed in a news conference yesterday (Monday) that there is a chance to return the race to the schedule, but only if teams agree to run their cars without tobacco advertising. He has been in contact with Formula One Management supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who has confirmed the race is currently off next year's calendar due to legislation banning tobacco advertising at sporting events in Canada.

"I think there is a small chance of getting the race back on the 2004 calendar," he said. "That would be if Bernie Ecclestone accepted that the cars would race without tobacco advertising in the race like they do in France and Great Britain. However, without that advertising we would have to find $20m in sponsorship from somewhere else. I have to admit it's a thin chance."

Legault said he would need support from a variety of sources to change the situation, and is willing to fly to the Hungarian Grand Prix to lobby for support.

"At a Grand Prix, you'll have not only the team principals but also a number of the engine manufacturers there as well as the tyre people," he added. "It's a lot of one-on-one. It's door-to-door salesmanship."

The FOM letter which confirmed that the race is currently off the 2004 schedule was printed by La Presse on Monday. It said: "We write to advise you the Canadian Grand Prix will not be included on the 2004 FIA Formula One calendar pending the outcome of various issues.

"In the event the Canadian Grand Prix is not included in next year's calendar for next year the provisions of Clause 26.2 (concerning anti-tobacco legislation) of the promoters agreement will apply."

Montreal's Mayor Gerald Tremblay said on Monday that Ottawa should give the Montreal Grand Prix and exemption from the anti-tobacco laws for the next two years, bringing it into line with the impending ban on tobacco sponsorship in Europe in 2005. Similar legislation in Belgium has seen Spa-Francorchamps return to the F1 bill for 2004.