Image courtesy of BBC Sport
The Italian Grand Prix could potentially be hosted by both Monza and Imola circuits after 2016, says Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Monza’s contract to host a race expires next year. With Imola, which last held a round of an F1 season in 2006, is reportedly in the run in to replace Monza as the home of the Tifosi.
A main stumbling block threatening Monza’s place on the F1 calendar has stated to be an increase in race fees in order to pay similar fees to other races, although Ecclestone is keen on Italy remaining on the calendar for the future.
“I want Italy to stay on the calendar at all costs,” said Ecclestone when interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport.
“But while I met with Imola, I’ve heard nothing from Monza for a month. The desire to save the Italian Grand Prix is there, but they [Monza] don’t have the money. The people I spoke with did not even ask for more time to decide.”
Ecclestone mentioned the possibility of Monza and Imola alternating each year as host, in similar fashion to the Nurburgring and Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix.
“Imola is proposing to alternate with Monza. It could be done. I want to ensure Italy stays on the calendar. It was Enzo Ferrari who suggested we have a race close to Bologna, so it’s nice to talk about it again. There are good intentions and good foundations.”
