Share

Monza's F1 future still in doubt

BOLOGNA, Italy - Imola has emerged as a candidate to hos the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The future of that country's GP at historic and forested Monza is under a cloud as F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone demands a higher annual race fee.

Monza is Formula 1's oldest and fastest circuit, with cars reaching speeds of more than 360km/h and averaging more than 240km/h a lap.

Now another Italian circuit - Imola, the former long-time San Marino GP venue - has suddenly emerged as a candidate to rejoin the calendar.

ECCLESTONE, MAYOR MEET

It follows a meeting at Ecclestone's London office on Monday (June 15) between the 84-year-old Briton and Daniele Manca, mayor of the town of Imola. The specialist Italian publications Autosprint and Omnicorse each published photographs of the meeting, which was also attended by other Italian officials.

Read: New law casts dark cloud on Monza

Manca said afterwards: "We wanted to show Ecclestone the will of Imola to get back to F1 but above all to do our part to keep an Italian GP."

Such a race was last held at Imola in 2006.

MONZA'S CONTRACT ENDS IN 2017

Manca admitted one idea was to alternation between various (Italian) national circuits with Ferrari-linked media insider Leo Turrini speculating that F1 could switch through Monza, Imola and Ferrari-owned Mugello.

He added: "Ecclestone told us that he never wanted to lose Imola and that it was Enzo Ferrari who asked him first to organise a race at our circuit."

He said the current discussions were about the 2017 season, which would coincide with the end of Monza's contract.

Rob La Salle, a correspondent for Speed Week, wondered: "Is this just a question of him (Ecclestone) putting pressure on Monza?"

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 F1 season – fresh reports every day.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()