It takes a lot to get Canadians angry as they are much more reserved than their North Americans neighbours. But the UAE has got them hopping mad!Recently it was announced that Abu Dhabi had won the rights to stage the last Formula 1 Grand Prix of 2009 meaning that Canada, and therefore North America, would be without a GP next year (and maybe for many years).
The Canadians are angry at the way they have been treated by GP boss Bernie Ecclestone, especially after the work they have done on the Montreal track.
They are fuming at the ostentatious grandstanding of the Emirates that has won them this race and all that goes with it.
Listen to this reporter at the Edmonton Sun:
“Just look at the United Arab Emirates city of Abu Dhabi -- that will get the race taken from Montreal. Construction of a $1-billion racing circuit is in its final stages, part of a $100-billion redevelopment complex that will include shopping centres, hotels and the world's most expensive marina.”
And more…
“The fact that Abu Dhabi isn't much bigger than Oshawa and that the whole Emirate has less than 500,000 people isn't relevant in the brave new world of F-1.”
“All that matters is that those half a million citizens are worth $17 million a piece thanks to having about one-tenth of the world's crude oil supplies buried beneath their desert sands.”
Make you feel good?
Put gloves on to read more of the hot article at this link:
Bernie Snubs His Pal, Edmonton Sun, 9 October 2009.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: Canadian Grand Prix. Take a good look. You won’t be seeing many more sights like this from Canada.
