Canadian GP rescue bid fails

The Canadian Grand Prix has failed to reappear on the latest version of the 2009 Formula 1 calendar, despite attempts to revive the race.

Bernie Ecclestone confirmed in Brazil that there was still a good chance the race could be saved after negotiations with the Montréal authorities. However, the task could not be completed in time to add it to the calendar confirmed by the World Motor Sport Council a few days later.

Ecclestone did confirm that there was no way back for the French GP in 2009. The race will be missing from the World Championship for the first time since 1955, when it was cancelled in the wake of the Le Mans disaster.

Ecclestone has also shuffled the calendar by switching the Chinese GP to April and bringing the last three races forward. The inaugural Abu Dhabi GP will now close the season on November 1 rather than the 15th as originally intended.