The future of the Canadian Grand Prix remains a mystery after Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone denied claims by race organisers that the event had been axed.
Race promoter Normand Legault last night claimed he had received a letter from Ecclestone which he said confirmed Montreal would not be hosting a race in 2004 due to national anti-tobacco laws.
But Ecclestone later denied this was the case.
He said: "I've no idea where this story came from - the calendar for 2004 has not been put out yet or even considered."
Asked what his thoughts were on next season's calendar he added: "I don't know what's in my head at the moment, I'm so busy but the calendar for 2004 is not out yet."
Lagault has ruled out asking for government help to save their grand prix - if it is faced with the axe. A similar fate hit Belgium this season, but politicians there convinced the government to make a special case for Formula One and the race is back on the 2004 schedule.
But Legault has ruled out that course of action, insisting it is up to Formula One teams to take the initiative and save the Canadian Grand Prix.
"This letter says that Canada's Grand Prix won't show up on the Formula One world championship 2004 calendar," Legault told a news conference. "The decision was basically made in light of the October 1st application of Canada and Quebec's anti-tobacco legislation.
"I feel that was a very reasonable position on the Canadian government's part and I don't feel justified for us to ask the government to do more than that."