Grapevine: Canada Could be Included on 2004 Calendar

The Canadian Grand Prix could still be included on next year's Formula One calendar, sources close to the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Atlas F1 at Monza.

The Canadian race was absent from the 17-race calendar approved by the International Automobile Federation (FIA)'s World Motor Sport Council and released only three days ago.

The Montreal race was left off the calendar after the government refused to make Formula One exempt to a ban on tobacco advertising, which takes effect on October 1.

Sources close to Ecclestone, however, said today that the race could regain its place on the calendar next year if the organisers of the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours fail to sign a new contract with the Formula One supremo for next season.

The French Grand Prix was listed on the calendar as provisional, subject to the negotiation of a new contract.

If a new deal is not reached, Canada could be back on the calendar regardless of the tobacco legislation, as France is one of three Grands Prix where tobacco advertising is not allowed.