Tobacco rules cancel Montreal Grand Prix

Published: Aug. 8, 2003 at 8:58 AM

MONTREAL, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Montreal has lost its 2004 Formula 1 Grand Prix race because of tobacco advertising laws, the Montreal Gazette reported Friday.

The federal government's anti-tobacco law was passed in 1997, but provided a seven-year grace period to allow events reliant on tobacco sponsorship to find replacements.

A grim Normand Legault, CEO of the Canadian Grand Prix promotion organization explained, "That means Michael Schumacher's Ferrari could not carry Marlboro's colors. Based on this, Formula One has the legal right to terminate our contract."

The cancellation of the 25-year-old event that draws tens of thousands of fans from around the world angered Mayor Gerald Tremblay, who said the move is no way to thank Montreal for helping popularize the race.

The event brings at least $50 million (CAD 75 million) to the city each year.

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa was cancelled this season because of a similar tobacco ad ban.

© 2003 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Crude oil prices drop Tuesday (12 min)
Apple responds to alleged review scam (16 min)
Spirit remains trapped in martian sand (43 min)
Japan unveils $81 billion stimulus package
Study: This decade is warmest on record
Stern: Women in the NBA 'probable'
Paramedics called to Woods' home
fark
13-year old girl leads police on a high speed chase. In other news, a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am is a...
Good idea: Teaching your teenager to drive. Bad idea: Near a pond, in an SUV containing your whole...
New Zealand police unveil their latest high-tech weapon in the fight against dangerous drivers:...
Chinese couple signs contract guaranteeing one spousal beating a week
CDC says swine flu was less severe than everyone feared as evidenced by the fact that you're alive...
Caption Robert Downey Jr. in this awkward moment