Montreal Grand Prix Cancelled
Source: CBC News
Posted: 11/16/08 2:53PM
Filed Under: Canada
AP Quebec Premier Jean Charest confirmed on Sunday that all efforts to save the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal have failed.

Mayor Gérald Tremblay and Quebec Economic Development Minister Raymond Bachand were expected to speak at a news conference later Sunday afternoon.

Tremblay and Bachand were among those who travelled to Europe to meet with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone after the race was scuttled.

The sports governing body caught Canadian officials off guard in early October by releasing a schedule for 2009 that didn't include a stop in the city. The Turkish Grand Prix was moved from August to June 7 to replace the Montreal race.

A lucrative race in Dubai was also added.

Ecclestone said contractual issues were behind the decision and that payments from Canadian officials were in arrears, a claim that was denied.

Next season will be the first since 1987 that Canada will not be hosting a Formula One race. The race was in jeopardy five years ago due to legislation prohibiting tobacco sponsors but a compromise was worked out.

There will be no race in North America for the first time in over four decades.

The race is one of the largest tourist events in Canada, drawing more than 300,000 fans and pulling in more than $80 million per year.