Tobacco advertising has caused Canada's downfall Confusion over Canada GP F1 makes tobacco U-turn

Race promoter Normand Legault revealed last week that Ecclestone had written to them saying that the Gilles Villeneuve circuit was being ditched as a venue.

But Ecclestone denied those claims, saying he did not know where the story had come from and that a decision had not been made on next season's schedule.

Now, Legault has published a letter from Ecclestone saying: "We write to advise you the Canadian Grand Prix will not be included on the 2004 FIA Formula One calendar pending the outcome of various issues.

"In the event the Canadian Grand Prix is not included in next year's calendar for next year the provisions of Clause 26.2 (covering anti-tobacco legislation) of the promoters agreement will apply."

There is still a small chance of getting the race back on the 2004 calendar Normand Legault Canadian Grand Prix promoter

Legault told the AFP news agency on Monday: "I spoke to him (Ecclestone) on the telephone today and we're still missing from the 2004 calendar."

A local government spokesman said last week the legislation banning tobacco advertising at sporting events would not be changed.

But Legault said he still hoped the race could be rescued.

"I think there is still a small chance of getting the race back on the 2004 calendar," he said.

"That would be if Bernie Ecclestone accepted that the cars would race without tobacco advertising in the race like they do in France and Great Britain.

"However, without that advertising we would have to find (Canadian) $20m in sponsorship from somewhere else."

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There have also been suggestions that the tobacco issue is a red herring and that Ecclestone is actually trying to persuade the Quebec government to pay for improvements to the track that the race itself cannot afford.