Canadian Grand Prix axed
Discussion
Axe falls on Canadian GP
Montreal has lost its Grand Prix for 2004
The Canadian Grand Prix has been dropped from next year's Formula One calendar, a race organizer announced on Thursday.
Race promoter Normand Legault told a news conference that he had received a letter from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirming that Montreal would not be hosting a race in 2004 due to national anti-tobacco laws.
The legislation was announced in 1997, and the Montreal race was given a seven-year grace period before tough new laws curbing tobacco advertising at sporting events are introduced on 1 October.
This season's Canada GP was won by Ferrari's world champion Michael Schumacher.
The Gilles Villeneuve circuit, named after the late Ferrari ace, has been home to the event since 1977.
Legault said the decision will hurt the city because the weekend event in June has drawn crowds of more than 300,000.
"There's an important economic impact," Legault said.
"There will be an important negative impact on Montreal's tourism."
Last week, the 2004 Belgium GP at Spa-Francorchamps was reinstated after a year out when laws on tobacco advertising were watered down for sporting events.
Montreal has lost its Grand Prix for 2004
The Canadian Grand Prix has been dropped from next year's Formula One calendar, a race organizer announced on Thursday.
Race promoter Normand Legault told a news conference that he had received a letter from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirming that Montreal would not be hosting a race in 2004 due to national anti-tobacco laws.
The legislation was announced in 1997, and the Montreal race was given a seven-year grace period before tough new laws curbing tobacco advertising at sporting events are introduced on 1 October.
This season's Canada GP was won by Ferrari's world champion Michael Schumacher.
The Gilles Villeneuve circuit, named after the late Ferrari ace, has been home to the event since 1977.
Legault said the decision will hurt the city because the weekend event in June has drawn crowds of more than 300,000.
"There's an important economic impact," Legault said.
"There will be an important negative impact on Montreal's tourism."
Last week, the 2004 Belgium GP at Spa-Francorchamps was reinstated after a year out when laws on tobacco advertising were watered down for sporting events.
Why is it that it's always motorsport that gets hurt the most when Tobacco advertising is banned?
The governments need to support these multi-million dollars earning events or they'll lose them.
When they banned Tobacco advertising here in NZ in the mid 90s the government set up a company called SmokeFree. They provided sponsorship money for all the previously cigarette sponsored events. ie Rothmans Rally NZ, became SmokeFree Rally NZ.
This went on for about 5 years, giving the events plenty of time to find other sponsorship to take over.
I guess governments really dont give a shte what sort of economic benefit a big event brings or they've got it in for motorsport!
The governments need to support these multi-million dollars earning events or they'll lose them.
When they banned Tobacco advertising here in NZ in the mid 90s the government set up a company called SmokeFree. They provided sponsorship money for all the previously cigarette sponsored events. ie Rothmans Rally NZ, became SmokeFree Rally NZ.
This went on for about 5 years, giving the events plenty of time to find other sponsorship to take over.
I guess governments really dont give a shte what sort of economic benefit a big event brings or they've got it in for motorsport!
I remember reading an article recently where Frank Williams said that in actual fact getting rid of tobacco advertising hasn't had an adverse effect on his budgets, as companies who were unwilling to sponsor him before are happy to do so now that tobacco companies are not linked with the team.
Ending tobacco sponsorship will not spell the end to F1 or motor racing - it's just a convenient excuse for Bernie to cancel Grand Prixs at some circuits and introduce new ones, and I'm sure he has his own reasons for doing this.
>> Edited by ehasler on Friday 8th August 10:54
Ending tobacco sponsorship will not spell the end to F1 or motor racing - it's just a convenient excuse for Bernie to cancel Grand Prixs at some circuits and introduce new ones, and I'm sure he has his own reasons for doing this.
>> Edited by ehasler on Friday 8th August 10:54
Autosport said:
Bernie Ecclestone has now denied that Canada has been axed, saying that the calendar for next year is not out yet.
Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has denied that the Canadian Grand Prix is definitely off the 2004 calendar, despite apparently sending a letter to that effect to the event's promoter.
The decision had been made, according to the chief executive of the event, Normand Legault, because of tough new anti-tobacco legislation that is set to become Canadian law on October 1 this year. But Ecclestone has denied that this is the case.
"I've no idea where this story came from – the calendar for 2004 has not been put out yet or even considered," Ecclestone told PA. "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."
In a news conference held on Thursday, Legault believed it was doubtful that the event would be able to return to the schedule in 2005, and said that it would require teams to agree to run their cars without any tobacco logos
Now we know why it's called a Circus, it's run by clowns.
Mad pensioner said:
Ecclestone told PA. "I don't know what's in my head at the moment"
but he's still seeing the
Canada publishes Ecclestone letter
The organisers of the Canadian Grand Prix have released written proof that Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone told them he was dropping the race from the calendar.
Race promoter Normand Legault revealed last week that Ecclestone had written to them saying that the Gilles Villeneuve circuit was being ditched as a venue.
But Ecclestone denied those claims, saying that a decision had not been made on next season's schedule.
Now, Legault has published a letter from Ecclestone saying: "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 (covering anti-tobacco legislation) of the promoters agreement will apply."
The wording of the letter does suggest, however, that there may be a way back for Canada if race organisers address those "issues".
One of those is that Canada has introduced tough new laws which ban tobacco advertising at sporting events and although the Grand Prix was given a period of grace that will end in 2004.
There have also been suggestions that Ecclestone is trying to persuade the Quebec government to pay for improvements to the track that the race itself cannot afford.
The organisers of the Canadian Grand Prix have released written proof that Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone told them he was dropping the race from the calendar.
Race promoter Normand Legault revealed last week that Ecclestone had written to them saying that the Gilles Villeneuve circuit was being ditched as a venue.
But Ecclestone denied those claims, saying that a decision had not been made on next season's schedule.
Now, Legault has published a letter from Ecclestone saying: "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 (covering anti-tobacco legislation) of the promoters agreement will apply."
The wording of the letter does suggest, however, that there may be a way back for Canada if race organisers address those "issues".
One of those is that Canada has introduced tough new laws which ban tobacco advertising at sporting events and although the Grand Prix was given a period of grace that will end in 2004.
There have also been suggestions that Ecclestone is trying to persuade the Quebec government to pay for improvements to the track that the race itself cannot afford.
The lying little s**t has finally confirmed the news...
From Autosport.com
Ecclestone confirms Canadian GP axe
F1 tsar confirms Montreal off calendar for 2004
Bernie Ecclestone has finally confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix has been axed from the Formula 1 schedule for 2004 because of new Canadian anti-tobacco legislation.
Race promoter Norman Legault announced last week that the Montreal-based race had been dropped from next year's calendar, although this was initially denied by F1 impresario Ecclestone. But a statement released by his company, Formula One Management, now confirms the fate of the race.
"I can confirm that a letter was written to the Canadian race promoter following a meeting I had with him when I informed him the Canadian round of the FIA Formula 1 Championship would not be included in the 2004 calender," read the statement.
"The reason for this is that the Canadian government has brought into effect a total prohibition on tobacco-related sponsorship. There is a provision in our contract with the race promoter that should this become effective, we have the right not to include their event in the calendar for the relevant year.
"Our problem is quite simple. The F1 teams with tobacco-related sponsorship lose part of their revenue when a certain percentage of the events ban tobacco sponsorship. This was the reason the Belgian Grand Prix was not included in the 2003 calendar.
"One thing is for sure – everyone is sorry to lose the Canadian race as we all love Montreal and the warm support the city has always given Formula 1."
Belgium has been reinstated on the F1 calendar for 2004 after the government agreed to pass an exemption on its tobacco advertising ban. The Canadian government recently gave its support to plans to save its race, although Prime Minister Jean Chretien insisted that it would not back down over its new anti-tobacco laws.
A coalition including Legault, representatives of local government and tourism officials met on Wednesday to launch a bid to convince F1 teams and manufacturers to support the Montreal race. Legault is due to fly to the Hungarian GP in a bid to garner the support of team bosses.
From Autosport.com
Ecclestone confirms Canadian GP axe
F1 tsar confirms Montreal off calendar for 2004
Bernie Ecclestone has finally confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix has been axed from the Formula 1 schedule for 2004 because of new Canadian anti-tobacco legislation.
Race promoter Norman Legault announced last week that the Montreal-based race had been dropped from next year's calendar, although this was initially denied by F1 impresario Ecclestone. But a statement released by his company, Formula One Management, now confirms the fate of the race.
"I can confirm that a letter was written to the Canadian race promoter following a meeting I had with him when I informed him the Canadian round of the FIA Formula 1 Championship would not be included in the 2004 calender," read the statement.
"The reason for this is that the Canadian government has brought into effect a total prohibition on tobacco-related sponsorship. There is a provision in our contract with the race promoter that should this become effective, we have the right not to include their event in the calendar for the relevant year.
"Our problem is quite simple. The F1 teams with tobacco-related sponsorship lose part of their revenue when a certain percentage of the events ban tobacco sponsorship. This was the reason the Belgian Grand Prix was not included in the 2003 calendar.
"One thing is for sure – everyone is sorry to lose the Canadian race as we all love Montreal and the warm support the city has always given Formula 1."
Belgium has been reinstated on the F1 calendar for 2004 after the government agreed to pass an exemption on its tobacco advertising ban. The Canadian government recently gave its support to plans to save its race, although Prime Minister Jean Chretien insisted that it would not back down over its new anti-tobacco laws.
A coalition including Legault, representatives of local government and tourism officials met on Wednesday to launch a bid to convince F1 teams and manufacturers to support the Montreal race. Legault is due to fly to the Hungarian GP in a bid to garner the support of team bosses.
Bernie said:
The F1 teams with tobacco-related sponsorship lose part of their revenue when a certain percentage of the events ban tobacco sponsorship.
Are F1 teams/sponsors really this short-sighted - surely the impending tobacco ban has been known about for years? Don't the tobacco companies know where they can use branding and where they can't? Sure they do, hence the wholesale move out of western Europe.
Were Williams just lucky to have no tobacco-related sponsor, or did they see the writing on the wall?
Williams have been running a non-tobacco policy since the end of their Rothmans deal a number of years ago. In fact, for most of Williams' history, tobacco has not featured in their funding apart from Marlboro in the original Iso-Marlboro team of 1972, Camel in the early 90s and Rothmans in 1994 to 1997.
Jackie Stewart also ran a deliberate non-tobacco team when the Stewart Team was up and running. It can be done.
Too many teams would rather look after their narrow self interests than do what is better for the sport as a whole.
Jackie Stewart also ran a deliberate non-tobacco team when the Stewart Team was up and running. It can be done.
Too many teams would rather look after their narrow self interests than do what is better for the sport as a whole.
The more money the teams make, the more money Ecclestone can take off them.
It was known 4 years ago that Canada would do an outright ban on Tobacco adverising and gave a grace period. F1 teams didn't play ball. Simple really.
Let's face it, most of the races are going to disappear, a lot of them don't allow tobacco advertising, are they have completely new tracks in places like South Africa, Iraq... because they allow small signs to advertise things people have never heard off (I didn't know WEST).
Personally it doesn't bother me, I would like to see WEST (CIGGARETTES KILL) on all cars. Make it compulsary but allow the name to be there
See how far that gets them
Britain doesn't have Tobacco advertising...
Stefan
It was known 4 years ago that Canada would do an outright ban on Tobacco adverising and gave a grace period. F1 teams didn't play ball. Simple really.
Let's face it, most of the races are going to disappear, a lot of them don't allow tobacco advertising, are they have completely new tracks in places like South Africa, Iraq... because they allow small signs to advertise things people have never heard off (I didn't know WEST).
Personally it doesn't bother me, I would like to see WEST (CIGGARETTES KILL) on all cars. Make it compulsary but allow the name to be there
See how far that gets them Britain doesn't have Tobacco advertising...
Stefan
What new track in South Africa? F1 GPs have been run in South Africa since the early 60s, initially at East London and then at Kyalami.The old Kyalami was last used in 1983. A revised ( and ruined) Kyalami was used in 1993 as a one off and F1 has not returned since.
There are no plans to run in Iraq (I wonder why?). The new circuits coming up ar in China and Bahrain with possible additional new ones in Russia, Turkey and Beiruit.
To me, this will not be Grand Prix racing. Part of any sport is tradition and history, the venues being an important part of that. Also, trying to create an "instant" new market in a new geographical location is frought with danger. Look at the lack of crowds at recent Malaysian GPs for instance. That race is now being propped up by government support as it not able to pay its own way (the track was bought by the government when the original owners went bust).
The upshot of a wholesale move away to the far and middle east will be a decline in interest in F1 in its traditional (and much bigger) markets and eventually, the establishment of a relacement Grand Prix series with a more European bias (and no Bernie).
There are no plans to run in Iraq (I wonder why?). The new circuits coming up ar in China and Bahrain with possible additional new ones in Russia, Turkey and Beiruit.
To me, this will not be Grand Prix racing. Part of any sport is tradition and history, the venues being an important part of that. Also, trying to create an "instant" new market in a new geographical location is frought with danger. Look at the lack of crowds at recent Malaysian GPs for instance. That race is now being propped up by government support as it not able to pay its own way (the track was bought by the government when the original owners went bust).
The upshot of a wholesale move away to the far and middle east will be a decline in interest in F1 in its traditional (and much bigger) markets and eventually, the establishment of a relacement Grand Prix series with a more European bias (and no Bernie).
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff