JUNE 16, 1997
The future of the Canadian GP
"If the Canadian government decides to ban tobacco companies from advertising on the cars," Ecclestone told Canadian pressmen, "there is a clause which enables us to cancel the contract and move the Grand Prix elsewhere. You know there are many cities interested in holding a Grand Prix than we can include in the calendar."
Pelletier indicated that the government may be willing to compromise and allow the cars, the drivers and the team personnel to carry tobacco branding. The problem is that it may lead to calls for similar exceptions to be made in other areas of tobacco sponsorship.
Research published by the Greater Montreal Convention and Tourism Bureau last week showed that the Grand Prix brings in more money than all the other major events in Montreal combined with an estimated $50m over the weekend.