Several Formula One drivers including Jenson Button have expressed disappointment after the Canadian Grand Prix was dropped from the 2009 calendar.
The FIA released a revised calendar on Tuesday which did not feature the Montreal race while Abu Dhabi was added, ensuring there will still be 18 races.
It will be the first time since 1987 that Canada has not featured, and the decision to drop the race also means there will be no race held in North America with the American Grand Prix having already lost its place.
But a number of drivers admitted the absence of the Montreal circuit is disappointing.
Speaking ahead of the Japan Grand Prix, Honda's Button conceded that while the circuit was starting to suffer he enjoyed the whole event in Canada immensely.
"I've obviously spent a few years racing at Montreal," said the 28-year-old British driver.
"I think it is a great city and it was one of the best races to go to. It is a lot of fun.
"The circuit itself was breaking up quite a bit over the last couple of years and causing a lot of difficulties for us.
"It is always sad seeing a circuit go. We do get a holiday now in the summer, which is nice, but it is sad to see it go.
"I don't know the reasons behind it but for sure I will miss the city."
Red Bull's Mark Webber echoed Button's sentiments, adding that there was always plenty of action on the circuit.
"It is a shame as it was a good race to go to and they always try very hard, especially last year they made such a good effort with the facilities," said the Australian.
"It always provides a good race with some action but it gives us a break now."
For Toyota driver Timo Glock the circuit holds special memories after the German picked up two points there in 2004, joining the select few who have scored points on their Formula One debuts.
"It is a shame we have lost Canada," he said. "I had really good memories as I scored two points in my first Formula One race there.
"It was one of the best races on the calendar and it is a shame we will be missing it."
Kazuki Nakajima is in his first full season in Formula One and although he failed to finish in Canada this year, the Williams driver is still sad to see it go.
"I think it is very sad news," he said. "I raced there only once this year. Even though the circuit was breaking up and there were a lot of problems the race itself has always been exciting.
"It is good to have a summer break but missing Canada is probably not a good thing."
No comments:
Post a Comment