As Monza’s contract with Formula 1 to host the Italian GP comes close to running out at the end of next year, discussions about the future of the track on the F1 calendar have begun to heat up. The track is in need of funds to host the race, and though it’s currently unclear if the Italian government is willing to help out, F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone recently told Motorsport he’s confident the race can be saved.
“I don’t know about Monza at the moment. I have got meetings there in September, so we will see, Ecclestone said at the recent Belgian GP.
“I hope we don’t lose it, but I think there is a good chance we will.”
Angelo Sticchi Damiani, boss of Automobile Club d’Italia, Italy’s motorsports governing body, is also confident Monza can be saved. Sticchi Damiani said there is interest from the government to keep the Italian GP at Monza, but now they must take action to ensure talks progress.
“Monza must overcome the situation that we all know well,” Sticchi Damiani told Motorsport. “I think with a bit of optimism, there are opportunities for this to happen.
“The important thing is that we all work together: knowing that there is interest from all levels of the government – from the [national] government to that of the Lombardy Region, which has demonstrated that in practical terms. And let’s not forget the towns of Milan and Monza.
“Now the good intentions must be translated into concrete action.”
Creative Commons photo via Ryan Bayona on Flickr!
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