Speaking of intimidation, and getting back to what is affecting Canadians, it seems that Ecclestone has been busy intimidating race promoters this week, shortly after Spa Francorchamps was the latest to be renewed to the 2004 Formula 1 calendar now that Belgium's politicians chose to look the other way on their tobacco advertising ban. As it seems Normand Legault, director general of the Canadian Grand Prix, which is among the highest in global television ratings due to its prime time European television spot, won't bend to what he said mid-week to be a letter from the FOM (Formula One Management) reportedly stating that the Canadian race would be pulled from the F1 calendar if tobacco sponsors, that include Ferrari (Marlboro), McLaren (West), BAR (Lucky Strike), Renault (Mild Seven) and Jordan (Benson & Edges), were not allowed to show off their colors - and logos. interesting, incidentally, that Bernie allows the French and British GPs to take place with a tobacco ban in place, forcing the tobacco sponsored teams to strip their cars of cigarette sponsorship decals. Might this be a bit of a double standard from the FOM? After all, it calls England home. Should Canada not receive the same treatment as the UK and France? Obviously not.
 |
| Due to tobacco advertising being banned in Canada as of October this year, it seems that Bernie Ecclestone may have been busy intimidating race promoters this week. (Photo: grandprix.com) |
Legault, most likely calling the FOM's bluff, confirmed that he would not appeal the decision and that his organization would not attempt to negotiate with the government to make changes to the law so that next year's Canadian race could take place.
 |
| The loss of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal would be a major blow to F1, as it's traditionally the best attended event on the calendar. (Photo: Planet-F1.com) |
While this would be a blow to Canada and most of all Montreal, that enjoys worldwide notoriety and millions in annual income, it will also be a major blow to F1 and Ecclestone personally, who stands to loose a bundle off of what has traditionally been the series' best attended event, with an average of 300,000 on the grounds and in the stands throughout each year's race weekend, and a favorite among teams and drivers since it began in 1967, with races held at the Montreal facility - named after local hero, Gilles Villeneuve - since 1978.