The Canadian Grand Prix might be in danger if new legislation on tobacco advertising is passed by the federal government.

The organisers of the event foresee great difficulties in financing the whole event which is sponsored by the cigarette company Player's.

Normand Legault, president of Montreal's annual Canadian Grand Prix, told a public hearing in Ottawa that Formula One racing's world governing body may withdraw the event from its 17-race schedule.

In some European countries there are no tobacco names allowed but they still are visible because of their colours.

However sometimes an exception is made. In Australia for example, major international events are free from anti-tobacco legislation.

The SF-1: photo by Stewart Grand Prix

The Formula One team of Jackie Stewart has unveiled their car in London today, just nine months after it was put into production. Stewart is the first to release their car for the 1997 season.

Stewart said: "To the best of my knowledge this is the first Formula One car to have been designed by computer from outset. (...) I would like to score one Championship point. if we get more than that I would be thrilled. Top 10 finishes and top 10 qualifying in our first year would be pretty impressive. Not many teams have ever done that."

The car is painted in a new tartan called Racing Stewart based on the Royal Stewart colours used by Jackie Stewart during his career and Hunting Stewart used by his son Paul.

The team has also announced a sponsorship deal with Samuel tobacco and a deal with Bridgestone.

Stewart added: "We are financially sound, fully equipped and ready to go."