Canadian Grand Prix Gone From 2009 Race Calendar

Strange news from the F1 world specifically the mouth of Bernie Ecclestone. He has issued a revised 2009 race calendar and has axed Canada from the schedule. As of right now, no reason has been given and I wait for reactions from the Quebec Provincial government as well as the Canadian Grand Prix organizers. They are starting to filter in.

This comes as a big shock as this race has been a big show for F1 in North America and a favorite amongst drivers and teams. Before I jump to any final conclusions, this is not the first time Bernie Ecclestone has axed the Canadian Grand Prix, he did it in 2004 because of the total ban on tobacco advertising. We know that the race did indeed go on as scheduled and my guess is that the race will go on this year as well.

If I speculate as to a reason, the only thing I can come up with is the idea that Canada is struggling with finances to meet the demands of the Formula One group. Remember that Canada would share the cost of freight with the US Grand Prix and are now left holding the bag. Past news in Canada was that this was not true and from race organizers on up through the provincial government and the federal government, they would do everything they can to ensure the grand prix remains on the calendar.

In fine fashion and true disrespect, organizers of the grand prix learned of this through the media and have had this to say:

“Consequently, no comments will be issued before speaking with the interested parties, Formula One Management (FOM) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).”

I tuned in a Montreal news channel and it is clear that fans are scathing mad at the FIA who they feel are clearly showing disrespect towards this great event.

Montreal Mayor Gerald Trenblay has made his initial statement to Radio Canada saying there will be a 75 million dollar loss for the economy and he would be contacting Canadian Grand Prix promoter Normand Legault to see what can be done.

Am I biased? Sure am. I’m Canadian and this is my grand prix, but I also am familiar with Ecclestone’s way of negotiating and this seems right up his alley.

By the way, what happened to the agreement with Bernie Ecclestone that keeps the Canadian Grand Prix on the calendar until at least 2011?

For now at least, here’s the revised 2009 calendar:

Revised 2009 F1 calendar

29 March Australia
5 April Malaysia
19 April Bahrain
10 May Spain
24 May Monaco
7 June Turkey
21 June Britain
28 June France
12 July Germany
26 July Hungary
23 August Europe (Valencia)
30 August Belgium
3 September Italy
27 September Singapore
11 October Japan
18 October China
1 November Brazil
15 November Abu Dhabi