The future of the Italian Grand Prix at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza looks secure, with the race organisers set to agree a new contract early next month.
The current deal expires following the race this season, and contract extension talks stalled several times with Bernie Ecclestone and the race promoters unable to agree costs, leading to the Formula 1 CEO declaring an interest in a return to Imola (which last held a Grand Prix in 2006) as an alternative host.
It had been rumoured that over €22 million (£15.5 million) needed to be raised for Monza to be able to keep the Grand Prix, money that has now been found thanks to a tax free investment and support from the Italian government.
Lombardy governor Roberto Maroni told Gazzetta dello Sport “With this tax free investment, we can close the deal with Ecclestone.”
“The day after tomorrow I will meet Andrea Dall’Orto, the President of Sias, to close the deal with the mayors of Milan and Monza.”
“The Grand Prix has to stay in Monza, because Monza is Monza.”
The Italian Grand Prix is one of only two races (the other being the British Grand Prix) to have been on the F1 calendar every year since the sport began in 1950, with Monza the venue for all but one of those Grands Prix. The home of the legendary Tifosi, Ferrari are always the home favourites for the usually sold out crowd.
Like Silverstone, Monaco and Spa, the high speed Monza is a jewel in the Formula 1 calendar. Losing a track with so much history would be a huge loss the sport, fortunately the future of the circuit looks bright.
The Italian Grand Prix takes place over the 4th-6th of September
