Montreal cuts off the power to Formula E - cancels season finale

©FormulaE

The city of Montreal has canceled Formula E's double-header season finale which was scheduled next summer, citing financial issues.

Newly elected Montreal mayor Valerie Plante initially suggested a change of venue for the event, proposing that Formula E move away from the center of the city.

But in a media conference which took place yesterday, Plante revealed that the local government would simply cancel the race weekend.

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"Citizens have made it clear that we cannot waste their money on badly planned projects that do not help them," SID news agency quotes her as saying.

Plante also said that a one-year break from the electric series was proposed, but "Formula E leaders categorically rejected the option".

"Formula E will not be back in Montreal in these conditions," she told Le Journal de Montreal.

"We are very surprised and disappointed by the unilateral decision and announcement of the Mayor of Montreal," a Formula E spokesman told Motorsport.com.

"This is a clear case of a new mayor undoing what the previous mayor did.

"Whilst there is a contract in place, we will not make further comments at this point as this is now in the hands of our Canadian legal counsel."

In the absence of any alternative, Formula E would end its 2017/18 campaign with the New York ePrix scheduled to take place on July 16-17 in Brooklyn.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.