Montreal's Grand Prix cancels opening day over threats

Threats of student protestshave forced organizers of the Canadian Grand Prix to cancel the free opening day of the event.

Formula One fans were to have had access to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve at the "Open House" event Thursday.

Instead the event was scrapped due to security concerns.

"We did receive some direct threat on the event," saidFranois Dumontier, president of the CanadianGrand Prix.

He says the organization has already lost some money due to securityconcerns.

"Our ticket sales are down over the last month or so. People didn't buy the tickets, saying that they were afraid to come to Montreal."

The student group CLASSE has suggested the race be used as a platform for the protesters' demonstrations over tuition fees.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest in turnhas been critical of threats toward the racethat generates an estimated $100 million in revenue for the city.

More than 300,000 spectators are expected to attend the event, which runs June 8 to 10.