F1 CEO denies Canada out for 2004

NORTH HAMPTONSHIRE, England, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A day after Canadian Grand Prix officials said the race would be dropped from the 2004 schedule, Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone denied the story Friday.

Race organizer Normand Legault announced Thursday that the Canadian stop on the F1 circuit would be dropped from next year's schedule due to legislation banning tobacco advertising. It was the same factor behind this season's cancellation of the popular Belgian Grand Prix.

"I've no idea where this story came from," Ecclestone said. "The calendar for 2004 has not been put out yet or even considered. I don't know what's in my head at the moment, I'm so busy. But the calendar for 2004 is not out yet."

There have been rumors that China and Bahrain have met the requirements to host races, perhaps as early as next year.