Organizers of the Montreal-based Canadian Grand Prix have refuted claims made by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone that the racing organization has not been paid what it is owed for past hosting rights.
“We tried our best, but they have not kept up their obligations for the past three years,” Ecclestone said. “Until this point they have paid only 50 per cent of the money they owe us. I wouldn’t say that Canada has no chance to return, but first they have to pay.”
“We were working hard to resolved the matter in order to meet our 2008 obligations when Mr. Ecclestone, without notice, surprised everyone by unilaterally dropping the Canadian Grand Prix from the 2009 FIA schedule last October 7,” Wilson said.
The Canadian GP - which draws an estimated $100 million per year in revenues and economic spinoffs to Montreal - was dropped from F1’s 2009 calendar on Oct. 7, replaced by a race in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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