Oct.8 (GMM) A Canadian close to F1’s governing body has scotched hopes that the decision to axe the Montreal race 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.”nnIt 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.”n
