Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Canadian Grand Prix dropped

JEFF PAPPONE

Special to The Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:26 AM EST 07/10/08

Race organizers caught by surprise as Formula One removes Montreal stop from its 2009 calendar ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Piet F from Canada writes: Outrageous. One of the best attended and most appreciated Grand Prix in the calendar. Clearly they were out-bid by the Dubai millionaires. How sad!
  2. R OBryan from ottawa, Canada writes: The only loss is the economic loss montreal will suffer. But there are so many things to do in montreal during the summer they'll find another festival to replace this. Montreal is awesome in the summertime!
  3. wayne powers from saskatoon, writes: You got it wrong, Canada drops F1, would be more correct. We don't need Max and his WWF racin.
  4. Typical Country Weather from Canada writes: This is outrageous. Obviously not enough payola went Bernie's way.
  5. APP * from Canada writes: The Canadian GP was dropped this week. Its a negotiation ploy. Bernie E. pulls this all the time. Expect government money to come rolling in oh say in a week or two.
  6. Robert McKenzie from ottawa, Canada writes: --- --

    Boo hoo! Cry me a freaking river why don't you..

    All we need now is the NHL to drop the Leafs from the competition.
  7. Rain Couver from Canada writes: There is a race in Montreal? As someone who used to lived there for 15 years, I never even heard of it. I was too busy at the Comedy Fest, Jazz Fest, etc.
  8. Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Its probably the best atmosphere out of any grand prix during the 3 day grand prix weekend and the week leading up to it. But that track is crap and clearly outdated! Modern cars tear it to pieces. Shame but until Canada gets a formula 1 standard track I don't think there's anything they can do save the race.
  9. John Smith from Toronto, Canada writes: To those celebrating this news, you don't know what you've got until it's gone. This is/was a world-class event that makes/made Montreal even better. This is sad news.
    And I fear this time it's for real - there's too much 'new' money in the Far and Middle East for us to compete.
  10. Tom B from Calgary, Canada writes: Dubai, hmmm? Money talks!
  11. Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Garry S from Canada, Canada writes: I think this is good news for Canada's fight against global warming. These cars spew out lots of emissions.

    Dude the series didn't drop the race they replaced it with another thus the bogeyman emmissions will be the same as it would have been if the race were in Montreal (or in Dubai or Instanbul)! Last time I checked we live on planet earth and all share the same atmosphere and until we build a great big dome around Canada your arguement is just silly.
  12. Tories Lie Again and Again from Canada writes: Blame Harper... This is where the Government of Canada 'Sponsorship' money went... Remember all those 'Canada' billboards around the track... that was advertising money.
  13. Sarah Bee from Canada writes: As much as I hate the Grand Prix for being noisy and needlessly polluting, it has been a huge Montreal event for years now, particularly when Jacques Villeneuve was playing hometown hero. Businesses in Montreal along Crescent Street and the Main will feel the pinch of this decision.
  14. Carl Baldin from Canada writes: Robert McKenzie ....I agree with your Leaf comment.

    As per Montreal being dropped - all politics. The Montreal venue is one of the best, the drivers like it and it is very well attended. Too bad for the people of Montreal as they always put on a first class show too.

    Seems like greed & money rule the roost in our 'new' world order!?
  15. bill williams from Canada writes: -

    As a younger man I followed F1 quite a bit. I would always watch a race on TV if I got the chance and even went to a race in Mt Tremblant-Ste Jovite in the old days. The only oval I ever payed any attention to was Indy. I watched a few NASCAR events but never really understood the attraction.

    In the last couple of decades my interest has waned almost completely. Let's face it, it's a sport that taps into our adolescent sensibilities. As previously posted we do have issues like global warming to deal with that put auto racing in a pretty silly perspective: it's hard to keep one's concern about the planet and an enthusiasm for a bunch of millionaires drilling a noisy hole in a summer afternoon in your head simultaneously.

    This is a bit of an opportunity for our society to do another tiny bit of growing up (important at the margin). If you're really upset by this announcement it's time to put on your big boy pants and move from enthusiasm to nostalgia.

    -
  16. sometimes serious from Canada writes: F1 continues to cut off their noses despite their face. What a shame that one of the best events on the circuit is ended.

    Unfortunately F1 has become rather boring of late anyway as there is no 'racing' going on. I used to get up early on Sundays to watch every race. Only seen one this year and it was 'boring'.

    Bye Bye F1 in North America.
  17. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: I think we hear about this every year. Bernie and Legault play a tug of war every off-season.

    The Canadian F1 race has one of the best attendance and some of the highest TV ratings of all races on the circuit, they will be shooting themselves in the foot on this one.
  18. jay bow from ny, United States writes: well maybe the fans can practice boonig european national anthems in its replace
  19. lary waldman from Qualicum Beach, Canada writes: I am not quite sure why I like Formula one racing, perhaps it is the world wide penetration it has, it's like the United Nations of car races. I know that the track in Canada has been allowed to run down, uneven surfaces substandard facilities and a lack of a Canadian Driver after so many years of there aways being a Canadian to root for, well know we can root for any British Driver, perhaps Lewis. Why has F1 struggled in Canada and inded US as well, well it is kind of like Soccer, a beautiful game, we don't like games unless there is a chance of somebody becoming paralyzed or killed on every play. It's a frontier thing I think. Does this lower Canada in the minds of most people, I doubt it, but I would like to say that motorsport is very popular, but try anywhere in this country to get permission from government to build a track at any level of government and you will find there is little or no appetite for taking that on. A pity really, a great lose for Canada.

    Lary Waldman
  20. Ron Bourgeois from Vancouver, Canada writes: It is about the almighty $. Montreal has put on a first class Grand Prix keeping with the traditional spirit of Formula 1. Unfortunately that spirit is 'dead'. The emmerging economies of the World (Dubai, Singapore , China) look at F1 as a status symbol and will have upped the $ ante. It is all business to Moseley and his gang.

    I suggest you write your new MP after the election and demand that CBC drop coverage. Our response should be 'good riddance'. F1 is no longer a sport.
  21. puddin and pie from Canada writes: welcome NASCAR to Montreal
  22. Norn Irn Mucker from Canada writes: Ecclestone infuriates me. F1 is all for TV, with no thoughts for the people paying big money to attend the actual races. The Singapore night race was solely for a better time slot for European audiences.
    A race in Dubai? There is already one in Bahrain.

    The sponsors weren't happy about losing the US GP (although I would California somewhere to Indy)

    This really sucks.
  23. M Fabulous from NYC, United States writes: Another sign that Montreal and Canada are a third tier cabal.
  24. Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Good point John Smith!

    As my aunt intimated to me recently we in the west lauded it over the rest of the world for 300 years now its their turn!
  25. Yourname 2 from Canada writes: I stopped going to Montreal when Silver level tickets reached $300 each and yet the race sold out every year.
    Take a look at the stands in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Turkey and the other new venues. There are a lot of empty seats.
    Bernie doesn't care about the real fans. He gets government money from these countries whether fans attend or not.
    He has threatened to pull the races from England, France and Germany as well.
    Let him do it. I hope the governments of countries with a real F1 fan base don't cave in to this guy. He's making billions from political extortion.
    I love the racing but this is too much.
  26. Chris Kempan from Winnipeg, Canada writes: The old, boring left sure showed in this thread. Bill Williams, you could be my dad. All sense of excitement and fun long sucked out of your spirit.

    The race is noisy, I can't hear what Bob Barker is saying!!
    Damn kids!!
    You probably shake your fists at kids that run across your lawn.
  27. Just a pimento from inside the olive, Canada writes: Dubai, sure that makes sense, but I was surprised that Turkey beat out Montreal. I guess they get lots of folks coming to see it from Europe. Then again, I really don't follow this stuff.
  28. Danny Manning from Canada writes: I waiting for the Bloc/Liberal/ingrained Quebec insecurity complex to blame Ottawa/the rest of Canada for this.
  29. Jacques Dubois from Brussels, Belgium writes: Guys, it's Abu Dhabi, not Dubai that was added to the calendar - and trust me it's not funded by millionaires from Dubai - too much competition between the Emirati Sheiks for that. Abu Dhabi has indeed spent billions building an F1 island with hotels and even a Ferrari theme park. Unlike Dubai, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has oil, lot's and lot's of oil. So an F1 there makes sense.

    Did anyone really believe Bernie Ecclestone was doing this for the love of the sport?
  30. K D from Canada writes:
    F-1 should stay in Europe. Too bad for Montreal but honestly no one cares anymore, especially in the U.S. Perhaps they can bring the Indy Cars back to Montreal now since there were only 2 races allowed there. This opens up a spot for them along side the NASCAR boys.
  31. Gern Blandston from Mississausage, Canada writes: Montreal GP has been consistently in the top 10 of most viewed sporting events in the WORLD. Obviously Bernie Nucklestone and his sidekick Adolph Mosley want the cash and the fans can go f&^% themselves as far as they are concerned. I wonder what the drivers will be saying? So much for the marketing of F1 in NA. They would rather have the oil sheiks money I guess.
  32. Nicolai Volkoff from Etobicoke, Russian Federation writes: Lot's of good commentary so far ...

    One more thing - have you ever looked at the sponsors on the cars and thought 'I can't even get that product here' - I bet you can in Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Singapore, etc.

    The races go where the sponsors want to go.

    Yet another sport that doesn't give a damn about its fans.
  33. Jon O from Canada writes: This is a shame, But I don't watch as much now that Jacques is gone.
    Always wanted to bring my son, but it has become to expensive.
    RIP Grand Prix of Montreal
  34. J M from Superduperhockeyville, Canada writes: NEWS FLASH!!!! F1 is a BUSINESS!!!! The races go where the ROI is the highest. Don't take it personally Canada but Montreal isn't exactly world class.
  35. gordon davies from Victoria B.C., Canada writes: Panache with flash cant beat fast & crash racing. To me , not a great fan of NASCAR , find the over hyped & more trying as time goes on .
  36. John Smith from Toronto, Canada writes: Let me preface this by saying I've been a huge F1 fan since the 1970's and I'll always be an F1 fan. It's simply the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
    But don't make the mistake of thinking that F1 has ever been concerned about the fans. It's always, but always, been about rich guys racing their cars against each other. They couldn't care less whether people watch or not - the fact that they do, and that they're willing to pay them large sums to do so, is just a bonus for them.
    So don't complain about Bernie Ecclestone et al ignoring the fans - 'twas ever thus.
  37. Mario I from Villeray, Canada writes: No more Eurowannabes in Montreal. This is dandy!

    F1 is major Euro trash and very boring.

    Maybe now the losers on Crescent will do a demostration like in 2004 when they had only 12 bar owners.
  38. Canada Rocks!! from Toronto, Canada writes: Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Its probably the best atmosphere out of any grand prix during the 3 day grand prix weekend and the week leading up to it. But that track is crap and clearly outdated! Modern cars tear it to pieces. Shame but until Canada gets a formula 1 standard track I don't think there's anything they can do save the race.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    That crappy track actually had passing, required drivers to drive and tested their talents. Modern tracks provide unlimited runoff room (look at the 'extra' lanes at Spa that Kimi was using regularly, while Hamilton got a penalty), no passing, and in fact - NO RACING!!! BOOOOOORRRRRINNNG

    Even the latest and greatest, Singapore, stunk!! They had to resort to gimmicks like night racing to fool the audience in to thinking that it would be worth watching. Couldn't have been more disappointed.
  39. Andrew E from Canada writes: Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Garry S from Canada, Canada writes: I think this is good news for Canada's fight against global warming. These cars spew out lots of emissions.

    Dude the series didn't drop the race they replaced it with another thus the bogeyman emmissions will be the same as it would have been if the race were in Montreal (or in Dubai or Instanbul)! Last time I checked we live on planet earth and all share the same atmosphere and until we build a great big dome around Canada your arguement is just silly.

    >> Kinda like the Green Shift of motor racing, then, eh? Canada could do everything imaginable to reduce our 'carbon footprint' or GHG's or whatever air pollution is called today, and it won't matter one iota, because the world's major polluters will continue doing what they're doing.
    In that regard, is a carbon offset really an offset if the project that these offset companies are investing in were going to happen anyway?
  40. Logo Pogo from United States writes: F1 is a business and the Montreal GP is consistenly one of the most watched sports events in the world. Also, one of the most attended F1 events in the World.

    Sadly this has more to do with the CAA's view of Max Mosley's sex life then money. The Canadina GP makes more then enought money for F1, through TV/AIR/PRINT commercials, then up front track fees.

    It's by far F1's biggest race of the year.
  41. Mathieu Chanus from Montreal, Canada writes: This is an economic disaster for Montreal : many downtown shops were making have their year sells in just one week, the F1 week. Maybe some people are not big F1 fans, but you just can't deny how much this race brings us : money, prestige, people, visibility, etc. The comment on global warming is the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard : this narrowly-minded way a thinking is disregarding the obvious fact that the race will nonetheless take place elsewhere on the planet; may I remind you that GLOBAL warming is a PLANET-wise problem as CO2 emissions don't need a visa to travel from one country to another, from one continent to another!
  42. Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Jacques Dubois thank-you for the correction, they're both in the UAE but of course different emirates. In fact my official Mubadala hat that Kim wears says Abu Dhabi right on it so should have known that! Obviously there's the connection-or part of it.

    Bill Grumpy Drawers Wilson thank-you for telling the rest of us exactly what the maturation process should indeed look like.
  43. L.B. MURRAY from !! from Canada writes: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    puddin and pie from Canada writes: welcome NASCAR to Montreal

    ___________________________________________________

    Indeed. With the world in recession, except of course places like Dubai, America is now ''Joe Six-Pack''..... Champagne class F! races will be replaced by redneck-blue-collar NASCAR...

    Let's invite Mrs Palin to ''inaugurate'' the first race.... LOL

    -
  44. Tim Cares from Canada writes: How much of this has to do with the no tobacco advertising laws?

    Anyway, I would note that this cancellatio happened under the Conservative government. A coincidence you say?
  45. Paul, Bytown, from Canada writes: I guess Max Mosely didn't like the S&M clubs in Montreal.
  46. Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Canada Rocks!!! From Toronto, I agree the place has always thrown up fantastic results and was not a procession.

    The past few years just saw too many safety cars as the modern car not only destroyed the track in places but due to the nature of the track made it not driveable off line (massive concentration of marbels off line and walls either side of the track) is more what I was referring to.

    I think at the end of the day it was a fantastic race weekend, one of the best in formula 1, they just couldn't get past the track breaking up and the inherent danger of the marbels off line in many places on the track.
  47. Typical Country Weather from Canada writes: Ron Bourgeois from Vancouver. You are obviously an avid fan. The CBC has not telecast an F1 race in decades, so save your breath yelling at your MP!
  48. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: No worries. Montreal will be too busy celebrating something else in early June 2009.....
  49. Howard Young from Canada writes: This is really unfortunate, not only is this a marquis event for Montreal and Canada. With F1 pulling out of Indianoplis in the US several years ago, this was the only race in North America. The impact of this goes beyond Montreal, it impacts cable, radio and television. The loss of this event results in the loss of significant advertising revenue.

    I had a feeling Montreal would be in trouble for 2009. This year's race showed that the track needed to be entirely resurfaced. The patchwork that was done before the race was not enough and driver safety became an issue again. I would have thought Montreal would have been replaced with another North American venue given the size of the North American market.

    Too bad for race fans, the Gilles Villeneuve circuit is one of the most entertaining from a race perspective. Lots of opportunities to overtake drivers and high speed mixed with hard braking/cornering.
  50. Garry S from Canada, Canada writes: Martyn Whitt from toronto:

    You are missing my point, 'dude.'

    The developed world needs to take a leadership role in reducing emissions, otherwise there is no hope that the less developed world will follow.
  51. Le Malbadon from Canada writes:
    Turkey was already on the previous calendar folks, just on a different date. The 2009 calendar went from 19 to 18 races.
    Nicolai, um, Intel, ING, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, Dell, Puma, DuPont, Acer....last I checked all these are available in NA.
  52. Canada Rocks!! from Toronto, Canada writes: I sat in the grandstands between T6 and T7 this year (having previously sat at the hairpin, start/finish, and GA) and it was fantastic! Next year planning on seeing Spa and Monza - since they are back to back weekends. What a great 10 days that would be!

    Marbling is a function of the rubber composition that the tyre company has complete control over, not the track. They want the highest performing tyre in the bast case scenario, this is the price they pay...

    The torn up ashphalt was the result of the hot weather and the use of the wrong compound for the surface. I do sympathize with the track operators, there's no telling what will happen as every year the car's suspension changes, the engines change, the tyre's change - how do you project what surface is required?
  53. Logo Pogo from United States writes: 'Garry S from Canada, Canada writes: Martyn Whitt from toronto:

    You are missing my point, 'dude.'

    The developed world needs to take a leadership role in reducing emissions, otherwise there is no hope that the less developed world will follow. '

    I think your missing the 'point'.

    99.9% emissions created from a sporting event, come from the fans that travel to an event.

    There was an article a few years ago that looked at the emissions and enviromental impact of 500 mile NASCAR race and NFL football game. Guess which event caused more air pollution?

    It wasn't the car race.

    I doubt that Montreal GP is that high on polluting attractions/events. Since most people in the city that weekend take the Metro or walk.
  54. Howard Young from Canada writes: The surface of Montreal's track suffers each year as result of the harsh winters experienced in that city (I used to live there).

    The pieces of ashphalt that came off in the last race were not from the original track surface, but the material used to patch up the track.

    Perhaps they did use the wrong material, but that doesn't negate the fact that the track needed patching up, to put it politely. They should have resurfaced the entire track. I think the race would still be held in Montreal if that had happened.
  55. Martyn Whitt from toronto, Canada writes: Garry S from Canada, Canada writes: Martyn Whitt from toronto:

    You are missing my point, 'dude.'

    The developed world needs to take a leadership role in reducing emissions, otherwise there is no hope that the less developed world will follow.

    What I see is that your are essentially an elitist who feels that we are better or above people in other parts of the world-that they are not up to our standards, should not be held to our standard and should look up to us for guidance. Laughable-if I was from the middle east or Asia I'd be downright insulted at your xenophobic assertation, however I'd calm down after I realized that you were a boob!
  56. David N from Toronto, Canada writes: I know this won't be popular, but I think that auto racing crowd should shoulder some of the responsibility for making the western world car crazy. We should place very high taxes on tickets to these events, or better yet ban them entirely. Same goes for car shows. Break the car culture and we may have some chance to breathe cleaner air in the future.
  57. Canada Rocks!! from Toronto, Canada writes: David N --- I fully support your decision to give up your car. Me, I love driving and that's not gonna change!

    BTW-trucks and diesels account for something like 70% of the solid particulate pollution - banning those would make a huge impact on the enviornment. Of course, you'll have to take your horse and buggy to the local farm to get fruits/veggies/milk/stake/...

    Air....smair....the only reason the 'Green' movement got traction was because of the high price of oil. If oil was $30/barrell we'd all be out buying SUVs as fast as possible. I'd be getting the biggest, baddest thing out there. Make a Hummer look like a Hybrd! :0
  58. Kevin G from GTA, Canada writes: Re: Tim Cares.

    This has absolutely nothing to do with tobacco advertising. If you watch F1 and I doubt you do given that you don't realize this, there is no tobacco advertising on any cars at any track. The EU won't allow it, so even in China where there are no anti-smoking regs the cars don't run with that livery.
    This probably has everything to do with the condition of the racetrack and the ability of Bernie to squeeze the organizers in Montreal. F1 recognizes what they have in North America - 1 race - and the manufacturers (BMW, MB, Honda, Toyota) realize they need to have the exposure here.
    Don't count Montreal out yet, this is just a provisional calendar.
  59. TO RO from Toronto, Canada writes: Some comedic replies so far, including the majority of people apparently believing that Abu Dhabi=Dubai. Good to see someone has already cleared that up.

    Interesting to see that the race being dropped has pleased some, particularly those who feel that the issue of global warming will now be resolved and that F1 is 'Eurotrash' and Nascar is bigger/better. Hilarious.

    Losing the race is in fact a pretty big loss for Montreal, no question.
  60. Tim Cares from Canada writes: Kevin G from GTA, Canada writes: Re: Tim Cares.

    This has absolutely nothing to do with tobacco advertising. If you watch F1 and I doubt you do given that you don't realize this,...

    You are correct, I don't watch it but I did until just a couple of years ago.
  61. Logo Pogo from United States writes: 'David N from Toronto, Canada writes: I know this won't be popular, but I think that auto racing crowd should shoulder some of the responsibility for making the western world car crazy. We should place very high taxes on tickets to these events, or better yet ban them entirely. Same goes for car shows. Break the car culture and we may have some chance to breathe cleaner air in the future. '

    Since automotive emissions make up a minoroity amount of air pollution. I guess we should ban electricity, air travel, manufacturing as well since those make up the bulk of our air pollution?

    Although, I don't think having a few billion people burning wood and other flammable materia,l for heat and cooking, would make you any breathe easier.
  62. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Sorry for my editorial comment here.

    I went to this event a few times in my youth in the days of Gilles Villeneuve ...

    I always found this weekend to be a very exciting one particularly when you got to personally mix with the high end machinery and drivers...

    However, should we really continue to be sending a message about speed and outrageous fuel consumption to our youth in this day and age ?

    Hopefully, Montreal will find another equally exciting event to replace the Grand Prix weekend.

    Cheers
  63. Whodat Singer from St. Catharines, Canada writes: This is a ploy by Bernie to get the track replaced. As others have indicated the track is in bad shaped and needs to be replaced not repaved. The problem is the harsh winters and the shallow depth of road bed. This allows for frost pentration into the underlying soils and frost heaving occurs. This causes the track to go up and down during any freeze thaw cycles thereby damaging the track. This occurs in all streets in a city. However, with the power being laid down by the F1 cars as tyhe accelerate out of corners the damage is greater. Also the track was never designed to be used for such purposes.

    If the entire track is excavated to a depth of about 5 feet and replaced with granular material the problem would not as great.

    This is what Bernie wants and if someone pays for itr the race will be on next years calander.
  64. Northern Boy from Sudbury, Canada writes: If I'm reading this correctly, and they dropped the US date As well, does this mean there are no north american races? How will no exposure in North America help the sport?
  65. wayne powers from saskatoon, writes: Maybe it's time to let F1 stay away from North America. One thing that would be more enjoyable would be a Canadian Flat Track motorcycle series. I know you're falling off you chair laughing right now, but stop a second and try to remember the first time you went to a race.Those big old bikes shake the ground as they fly by, you get 3 to 6 lead changes per corner, and every town and city has a facility to run a race. And if you add in a couple of supermoto races everyone who wanted could go would be able to afford it. The prices for bikes tracks and fans are far more reasonable than any other type of racing and with nosie regulations it wouldn't damage peoples hearing like an F1 car does. It used to be on TV way back when and maybe it's time we reign in the costs of racing to the enviroment, and the pocketbook.
  66. bill williams from Canada writes: Hey Chris,

    You're making my case for me. I don't know why your dad (other than from contending with ignorant young loudmouths) would have the spirit sucked out of him; that's not the case with most adults. It's a fatal flaw to confuse stupidity with spirit. I'm an uppity sixty year old with a lot of passion ... I've just grown out of a lot of things; so will you. BTW... lots of kids around in my life; they have a free pass for running on the lawn and making noise.

    Read the post again, and enjoy your day.

    'As a younger man I followed F1 quite a bit. I would always watch a race on TV if I got the chance and even went to a race in Mt Tremblant-Ste Jovite in the old days. The only oval I ever payed any attention to was Indy. I watched a few NASCAR events but never really understood the attraction.

    In the last couple of decades my interest has waned almost completely. Let's face it, it's a sport that taps into our adolescent sensibilities. As previously posted we do have issues like global warming to deal with that put auto racing in a pretty silly perspective: it's hard to keep one's concern about the planet and an enthusiasm for a bunch of millionaires drilling a noisy hole in a summer afternoon in your head simultaneously.

    This is a bit of an opportunity for our society to do another tiny bit of growing up (important at the margin). If you're really upset by this announcement it's time to put on your big boy pants and move from enthusiasm to nostalgia.'

    -
  67. Logo Pogo from United States writes: If we would stop all activities that tap into our 'adolescent sensibilities'. Our world would be a very boring place....

    No art, interesting engineering or science.

    'bill williams', you must live a very grey life.
  68. dave ross from Canada writes: Meh, who cares? Hey, all anyone needs now is their Mazda that goes vroom vroom.
  69. Jared Mulligan from Canada writes: This is too bad. It probably is as much to do about F1 realizing that they just aren't catching on in North America (read USA) the way they would have liked to. So, why not drop the remaining NAFTA circuit and go where they believe the $$ is - and right now, that's Dubai. The only other non-Eurasian events are in Brazil and Australia, I believe and the Aussi GP is one of the top events while racing in Brazil is quite popular so Montreal is the odd man out.
  70. K D from Canada writes:
    Montreal is now all NASCAR Nation also!!
  71. Alex Yaxmos from Canada writes: I doubt Montreal will be able to bring in a 3 day event that would generate the same amount of money for local businesses. It will hurt but this is what happens when you don't invest in keeping the track nice and sponspors happy.
  72. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Agree with the posters above who said that Montreal is awesome in the summertime...

    My family and I went there this summer and had a blast...

    Fine dining, Biodome, Jazz Festival, International Fireworks Competition, museums, Insectorium, Old Montreal, Botanical Gardens, etc., etc.

    My only complaint... No Habs in the summertime...

    The Mayor of Montreal should fix that problem somehow...

    Maybe, Montreal needs to put in it's own Canadiens Hall of Fame for this Centennial season.

    Cheers
  73. Christopher Kiely from Canada writes: Chris Kempan from Winnipeg, Canada writes: All sense of excitement and fun long sucked out of your spirit.

    ______________________________________________________

    The same could be said about F1.
  74. drago04 1 from Toronto, Canada writes: It's official F1 has given up on the North American market. This is a major loss for Montreal and Canada.
  75. garlick toast from Canada writes: M Fabulous from NYC, United States writes: Another sign that Montreal and Canada are a third tier cabal.

    ----------------------------------------------------

    If that's your gauge, welcome to the club, er, cabal.They dropped the U.S. event too.
    Let's have a Grand prix for electric cars, this is the 21st century, after all.
  76. Carl C. from Canada writes: Sad day again for Canada and montreal...
  77. Dan Theman from Ottawa, Canada writes: F1 is still one of the greatest shows on this planet and without F1, we would have still be driving cars with NASCAR level technology (pushrod motors), thanks to F1 our cars have much more advanced internal combustion that is also easier on the environment. It's not just politics, the Mtl track is in bad condition and is dangerous for drivers. A wealthy country like Canada should put a world class GP track ASAP with some federal and provincial aid.
  78. bill williams from Canada writes: Hi Logo Pogo

    You offered this comment:

    'If we would stop all activities that tap into our 'adolescent sensibilities'. Our world would be a very boring place....

    No art, interesting engineering or science.

    'bill williams', you must live a very grey life.'

    There is lots of interest--passionate interest--in art, engineering, and science in my life. And while I understand what you're trying to say about youth and creativity, that's not really the point: creativity can be enhanced by a youthful preoccupation with the new, very fleet minds, and a lack of ingrained bias, but that is not the only well upon which it draws and in fact much of art and creativity is ABOUT the state of being young rather than FROM that state. I'm not dumping on being young, I'm just saying that as individuals and societies, we grow up. Or are you still dating fifteen year-olds?

    Auto sport has had its day. We don't collectively know that yet--NASCAR is huge in North America--but it has. This is an opportunity to reflect and realise that we don't need it. It's silly. And our love affair with the car has lived long past its usefulness and become destructive. That's something that you may not understand; that's fine, but don't lash out at people (of whatever age) who have.

    You want to talk about youth and creativity and imagination? The brightest kids in the automotive field are working on auto efficiency and low fossil fuel consumption.

    Do this: go to a high school or university and ask the brightest and most creative (technical and artistic) kids if they care at all about F1. Report back.

    -

    -
  79. Anthony B from Maritimes, Canada writes: “The inaugural Abu Dhabi GP replaces the Canadian race for the 2009 season”

    Makes perfect sense ----- move the cars closer to the fuel.

    Just kidding, sports fans.
  80. Steve V from Sydney, NS, Canada writes: Disappointing to hear, but not really surprising. The condition of the track and the lack of a permanent solution by organizers is no doubt the main reason.
  81. CallofDuty . from Canada writes: J M from Superduperhockeyville, Canada writes: NEWS FLASH!!!! F1 is a BUSINESS!!!! The races go where the ROI is the highest. Don't take it personally Canada but Montreal isn't exactly world class.
    -----------------
    If any of you saw the last race in Singapore. It'll dawn on you how far the rest of the world has moved forward while we are stuck in 1985. Toronto/Montreal are not first class cities by any means.
  82. Mario I from Villeray, Canada writes: F1 is so boring....

    Pushrod technology..Dan from Ottawa...It looks like you never been to a race. The emissions coming out of a F1 is not cleaner then a 2 cycle go_Kart.
  83. A D from Oakville, Canada writes: NOOOOOOOO this means more of that boring thing....can't remember the name? Nasdog...Nasnothing.........ohh ohh Nascar.....
  84. Mike Blatchford from Victoria, Canada writes: I've been an F1 fan for many years and can't see how losing the only NA race is a good thing. As for replacing with NASCAR, 43 fat guys in Havana taxis circling the beer tent for four hours doesn't quite cut for any who loves the technology displayed and the skill required to drive in top of the line racing. And conceding the difficulty of passing argument doesn't change that.
  85. COASTER--- EAST THAT IS from Canada writes: Who cares as long as we got Nascar , now thats real racing not some boring race where first place is a half mile from second and the only thing changing the outcome is a bad break , in order to be racing you need multiple cars challenging for the lead , GO NASCAR GO.
  86. bill williams from Canada writes: -

    Coaster,

    Do future generations a favour and have your species type engraved on metal tags that you can hang around your neck so that when they dig up your bones they know right away exactly what kind of dinosaur you were.
    : )

    -
  87. Working Stiff from Cowtown, Canada writes: How Canadian; track needs repair so patch it w/garbage asphalt. No concept of doing it properly at all!
    If this was Hockey Fright In Canada EH, Harper and his cronies would be all over it because grown men punching it out on the ice is "culture" while designing and building F1 cars and having some of the public appreciate them is juvenile.
  88. lyle craver from Vancouver, BC, writes: I'm against any additional government funding to this race. Montreal has lots of tourist attractions during the summer and it is difficult to imagine that there will be much if any economic hit.

    I'm sorry to see it go BUT in terms of where public funds should go this one is WAY down my priority list.
  89. johnny R from Canada writes: Finally ... who needs this overpriced boring circus of the rich and egotistical crowd parading with the "look at me" attitude.
  90. ken kolthammer from Edmonton, Canada writes: Put Max and Bernie in a deep Montreal sewer.
  91. dp ludwig from United States writes:
    I'm glad they dropped the race. Every year, Montreal has had problems with track conditions.

    If the organizers can't get the track to not implode every time a car ran over it, then Montreal is not worthy of a race.

    Idiots!
  92. Glynn W from Canada writes: Ok fine...less spent on unaffordable leisure and more on savings. The FIA has done us a favour.
  93. Midtown Bob from Toronto, Canada writes: johnny R from Canada writes: Finally ... who needs this overpriced boring circus of the rich and egotistical crowd parading with the "look at me" attitude.

    I do. I've been a fan for many years. Its a business and if you had to choose between Montreal and $$$DUBAI$$$ (new multi million $$ track and facilities) well guess who Bernie took.

    btw did you see the last GP under the lights in Singapore? The race was spectacular!!! BIG BIG $$$ spent there!!
  94. Mike M from Canada writes: Rain Couver from Canada writes: There is a race in Montreal? As someone who used to lived there for 15 years, I never even heard of it. I was too busy at the Comedy Fest, Jazz Fest, etc.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    You are either lying about living there or lying about never hearing of it. The Montreal Grand Prix was the busiest weekend in town (ask a cabbie next (first) time you're there). They also shut down just about every street off of Ste. Catherine in the downtown area for 3-4 blocks, so if you didn't notice it, then you were too busy avoiding downtown Montreal.

    Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs (the name of the Comedy Fest, which you'd probably know if you'd lived there),
  95. Mike M from Canada writes: The last part of my last comment got cut off for some reason - anyway, I meant to say that I didn't mean to take anything away from the Jazz Festival or Just For Laughs / Juste Pour Rire, or any of the other festivals in Montreal, as they are also a lot of fun and well attended. Instead, I was just making the case for the importance of the Grand Prix.
  96. Joe Cool from Canada writes: I still mourn the loss of the Expos and I can't understand why the City of Montreal and the Province allowed it to happen.

    The Expos carried the name of Montreal and Quebec into every major city in the US through game attendence and TV - incredible publicity that they can never replace.

    Now with the departure of F! all they have is the Habs that are watched by a small minority in the US.
  97. Mike M from Canada writes: Joe Cool from Canada writes: I still mourn the loss of the Expos and I can't understand why the City of Montreal and the Province allowed it to happen.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Blaming the province and the city for the loss of the Expos is a new one.

    I thought the fact that fans stopped going was a perfectly good reason to allow the Expos to leave. If a SkyDome-like investment in a downtown stadium was required by the province to boost attendance and retain the team, well, there are a lot cheaper ways to get airtime in the US (commercials being a great example)
  98. Biggest Redneck from United States writes: Let the Euro's keep their boring racing with no passing on the other side of the ocean.
    Nascar is true North American racing and a lot more fun to watch both live and on tv.
    I had lost all interest in open wheel racing over the last few years but with the IRL and CART finally resolving their issues we may get some good racing in North America again on the open wheel side as well. I always enjoyed watching the late Greg Moore and with great drivers from Canada like Paul Tracy and Patrick Carpentier open wheel and Nascar in North america have much more appeal to me and a brighter future then a of bunch rich Euros driving along in an uncompetitive race.
    Good riddance to F1 now we can concentrate on North American racing.
  99. Sys Crusher from Canada writes: No problem - Montreal has plenty of festivals to keep its economy alive - festival d'homard, festival des chausettes and festival du poutine to name three
  100. belsize park from where's England?, United States writes: F1 doesn't do it for the fans....the Montreal race was always a sell out...
    they do it for the money grubbing...
    so now...the only real sell out ... is F1... euroweenies
  101. Chico Tanto from Toronto, Canada writes: I agree with F1's going global to Asia and Middle East. But it still remains a Europe heavy event with 2 races in Spain and one in Belgium. That is a country between Germany, France and UK which all have F1 races. Is F1 saying Belgiums couldn't bother travelling a bit further for the races? When is the last time F1 yanked a race in Europe?