World Sport Council Sets Out 2004 Rules
With Canada still reeling at what seemed like the certain prospect of losing its Montreal grand prix next season, due to a ban on tobacco
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| In an unexpected move the FIA World Motorsport Council has set the date of June 13 aside for a Canadian grand prix event. (Photo: Canada GP) |
But there may be a reprieve. In an unexpected move the FIA World Motorsport Council has set the date of June 13 aside for the Canadian event, albeit a provisional slot dependant on a satisfactory financial agreement to take care of affected teams that can't run with their regular tobacco sponsors, and therefore won't receive the respective income.
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| Quebec Premier Jean Charest stated Wednesday that his government may put up the funds to pay the tobacco sponsored teams and guarantee the June event takes place. (Photo: Ferrari) |
With the inclusion of Bahrain and China to the 2004 calendar, as well as the return of driver and fan favorite Spa-Franchorchamps in Belgium, the series has been extended by one to 18 events for the first time in F1 history - normally a 17 race series. In order to make way for the new races, Austria, within close proximity to Germany's Nürburgring and Hockenheim events, among others, has been axed.
Setting Canada's motorsport community in high anxiety last August, after a week of leaks, assumptions and denials, F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone announced that the Canadian race was to be canceled. Now if race officials find the money to pay the tobacco sponsored teams, possibly through Quebec Premier Jean Charest who stated Wednesday that his government may put up the funds to guarantee the June event take place, the F1 checkered flag will once again wave in Canada.