Montreal mayor slams Ecclestone over Canada GP row
Monday, 17 Nov 2008 16:32
Montreal mayor calls Bernie Ecclestone's demands "unreasonable"
The mayor of Montreal has claimed the "unreasonable demands" of Bernie Ecclestone will signal the end of Canada's ability to host a round of the formula one calendar.
F1 supremo Ecclestone has been involved in negotiations with Mayor Gerald Tremblay and other Montreal officials over a solution to the ongoing financial constraints that are preventing Canada from remaining on the schedule in 2009.
However, following the breakdown of the talks, which Tremblay has claimed is the fault of Ecclestone for refusing to budge from his demands, the city has stated it does not see a way forward for the Montreal race because of funding problems.
"We were constantly guided in our negotiations by principles of responsible management," he said.
"However, despite our endeavours and those of the business community, the unreasonable demands of formula one exceeded the taxpayers' ability to pay.
"I would like to thank my colleagues from the federal and provincial governments and members of the business community who joined forces in an attempt to save the grand prix.
"Their concerted efforts attest to Montreal's vitality and could prove an opportunity for creating a development fund for new events of all kinds that would stimulate the economy, tourism and employment."
Quebec minister of economic development, innovation and export trade Raymond Bachand added: "We worked very hard over the past few weeks to ensure there would be a grand prix in Montreal, while staying fiscally responsible.
"We cannot meet Mr Ecclestone's unworkable demands.
"Unless he eases his requirements and adopts a different approach, there will be no grand prix in Montreal in 2009."