A day after Canadian Grand Prix officials said the race would be dropped from the 2004 schedule, Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone denied the story Friday.

Race organizer Normand Legault announced Thursday that the Canadian stop on the F1 circuit would be dropped from next year's schedule due to legislation banning tobacco advertising. It was the same factor behind this season's cancellation of the popular Belgian Grand Prix.

"I've no idea where this story came from," Ecclestone said. "The calendar for 2004 has not been put out yet or even considered. 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."

There have been rumors that China and Bahrain have met the requirements to host races, perhaps as early as next year.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+China's richest village: It takes brains and guts ( 2003-08-19) +Relief for indigent college students ( 2003-08-19) +Leaders meet Australian PM ( 2003-08-19) +New security official promises open mind ( 2003-08-19) +Government to rationalize auto sector ( 2003-08-19)		+Beckham is Collina's favourite player ( 2003-08-19) +The goal is unbelievable: Sun Jihai ( 2003-08-18) +Agassi, Clijsters top US Open seedings ( 2003-08-19) +Jamison goes from Warrior to Maverick in nine-man deal ( 2003-08-19) +I can handle the criticism, says Beckham ( 2003-08-19)