Canadians admit defeat

Canadian government officials have conceded defeat in their efforts to have the country's grand prix reinstated to the 2009 Formula One calendar.

Senior figures in Montreal, the host city since 1978, had hoped to earn a reprieve after the race was left off next year's schedule owing to an alleged dispute with F1 rights owner Bernie Ecclestone over past payments.

Last-ditch efforts were made by city officials to drum up the sums expected by Ecclestone to stage the event, but Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay admitted that Ecclestone's 'unreasonable demands' could not be met.

Tremblay said in a statement: "We were constantly guided in our negotiations by principles of responsible management."

"However, despite our endeavours and those of the business community, the unreasonable demands of Formula One exceeded the taxpayer's ability to pay."

Canada's minister of tourism, Raymond Bachand, added: "Whenever the Grand Prix of Canada needed help from the Government of Quebec, we were there."

"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."

According to Bachand, Ecclestone has demanded a bank or government guarantee of close to 21million pounds to stage the 2009 race, with that figure rising to 25.5million pounds by 2013.

The cost of staging the race over the next five years would total 117million pounds.