Canadian GP Eyes Relaxed Tobacco Rules

QUEBEC September 17, 2003; the AP reported that the canceled Canadian Grand Prix might have a future if a move to relax anti-tobacco legislation is successful, Quebec's premier said Wednesday.

Jean Charest hopes the race can be revived.

"We want to make sure the Montreal Grand Prix can happen after 2004," he said.

The race was not renewed on the Formula One schedule for next year because of legislation prohibiting the use of tobacco logos at sporting and cultural events. About half the F1 teams are financed by tobacco companies.

The ban takes effect Oct. 1.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone said last weekend that the race probably will never be resurrected unless it's exempted from the law.

That could happen, Charest said. He and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien did not object Tuesday to suggestions that the ban be eased.

"There was no question of opening our laws," Charest said. "Mr. Chretien did not raise that question, and I didn't raise that question either."

A member of Parliament said the government was studying the idea of a three-day moratorium on the anti-tobacco law that would apply exclusively to the race — one of only two F1 events in North America.

Nick Discepola of Montreal said Wednesday that he raised the possibility of relaxing the ban during a meeting of Quebec Liberal caucus members. He said most members agreed with the idea.