From GMM
A Canadian close to the Formula 1's governing body has scotched hopes that the decision to axe the Montreal race at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit may not be final.
Bernie Ecclestone is well known for using tough tactics in negotiations with F1 venues, but this is not an example of the 77-year-old supremo hatching a ploy, according to Roger Peart.
"It was voted on by the FIA and that's really the end of it," said Peart, president of the FIA's circuits commission.
"It's a done deal," he told The Gazette newspaper.
"It's sad news for Montreal, it's sad for racing in Canada, and I don't think anyone can do anything about it."
It is believed the reason for the split is contractual, despite an agreement to stage the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve through 2011.
Ecclestone's London office did not return requests for comment.
Peart suggested that the reason for the situation is commercial.
"I'm surprised but not completely," he said. "Not completely because the commercial side of the sport is moving on to more glamorous venues.
"I don't mean the city of Montreal as far as that, but the facilities themselves. Some (facilities) like Montreal are not world leaders anymore, so it's a purely commercial matter, unfortunately."
photo:WRI2
A Canadian close to the Formula 1's governing body has scotched hopes that the decision to axe the Montreal race at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit may not be final.
Bernie Ecclestone is well known for using tough tactics in negotiations with F1 venues, but this is not an example of the 77-year-old supremo hatching a ploy, according to Roger Peart.
"It was voted on by the FIA and that's really the end of it," said Peart, president of the FIA's circuits commission.
"It's a done deal," he told The Gazette newspaper.
"It's sad news for Montreal, it's sad for racing in Canada, and I don't think anyone can do anything about it."
It is believed the reason for the split is contractual, despite an agreement to stage the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve through 2011.
Ecclestone's London office did not return requests for comment.
Peart suggested that the reason for the situation is commercial.
"I'm surprised but not completely," he said. "Not completely because the commercial side of the sport is moving on to more glamorous venues.
"I don't mean the city of Montreal as far as that, but the facilities themselves. Some (facilities) like Montreal are not world leaders anymore, so it's a purely commercial matter, unfortunately."
photo:WRI2