Several Formula One teams say they can't understand this week's decision to drop the Canadian Grand Prix from the 2009 schedule.
BMW-Sauber boss Mario Theissen says the North American market is very important for the car maker and that getting rid of the Canadian race at this time will ultimately damage the sport of F1.
"It's the opposite of what we want to see," said Theissen, whose team celebrated their first ever F1 win in Montreal this past summer.
"The North American market still is the biggest one, not just for BMW. Montreal has always in a very strong position in North America. The intention should be not to step out of this market but just the opposite - to use Montreal as door opener for a future U.S. race as well."
Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry says finances should not dictate the future of the Canadian Grand Prix.
"We are a global series and not to be performing in one of the major continents is a serious problem," he tells autosport.com. "We need to look at the north American continent situation from a more strategic point of view and work out how we increase our popularity."
Honda driver Jenson Button says while the facilities at Circuit Gilles Villenevue may not have been the most modern, the race weekend itself was one of the favourites among the drivers.
"I love the city. I think it's a great city and you're right, it's one of the best races to go for, for the nightlife – it's a lot of fun," said Button. "I don't know the reasons behind it but for sure I will miss the city, Montreal, probably more than the circuit."
Toyota driver Timo Glock says Montreal proved to be one of the best circuits in his racing career.
"It's a shame we've lost Canada," he said. "I scored two points in my first Formula One race in Canada. I was on the podium in Champ Car and this year again I had a really good result in position four. It was one of the best races on the calendar and it's a shame we will be missing it."