F1 agrees new five-year deal with Monza
Formula 1 has announced the agreement of a new five-year deal with Monza to host the Italian Grand Prix until at least 2024.
Monza’s contract was due to expire at the end of the year but was placed on the provisional draft of the 2020 calendar last week with a deal imminent.
This year’s event marks the 90th edition of the Italian Grand Prix, as well as the 90th anniversary of the formation of Scuderia Ferrari, which is set to be celebrated this weekend.
Italy has been a popular destination amongst drivers and fans, with the Tifosi providing an atmosphere like no other as it cheers on its beloved Ferrari team.
Every world championship race, baring 1980 when Imola hosted the event, has been held at Monza, making it one of the most iconic venues in F1.
“We are really pleased to have reached an agreement with the ACI which ensures the Italian Grand Prix will remain on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar until at least 2024,” Chairman and CEO of Formula 1 Chase Carey said.
“This is one of four Grands Prix that were part of the 1950 championship and still features in the calendar and along with the British Grand Prix, it is the only one to have been held every year since then.
“History, speed and passion are words that motorsport fans associate with Monza. The feeling one gets at this Grand Prix is truly unique, as is the circuit’s distinctive podium.
“I would like to thank the ACI, especially its President, Angelo Sticchi Damiani for its efforts and this five year deal means that another part of the jigsaw for the Formula 1 of the future, is now in place.
“The championship features many historic venues such as Monza and also new countries in which the already vast fan-base of our sport can grow.”
Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, added: “It is just like winning a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a very hard and important one, fought to the finish line – which counts as not one but five titles!
“It’s with great satisfaction that I welcome the conclusion of the agreement between ACI and Formula 1, which guarantees the inclusion, for the next five years, of the Italian Grand Prix in the calendar of the Formula 1 World Championship, and ensures that the event will take place in the ‘Temple of speed ‘: the Monza Eni Circuit, not only the oldest but also the fastest and most spectacular circuit of the whole motorsport.
“A great outcome for ACI, for Monza, for the Lombardy Region and Italian sport in general, which opens up a five-year perspective to build a future that matches the legendary past that has made Monza a world capital of motorsport.
“It was a challenging journey to get to this outcome and is one of those race victories that makes us forget every risk, every effort, and leaves inside a great joy and an uncontrollable desire to celebrate.”
Ferrari will look to end a nine-year wait to register its first win on home soil off the back of the team’s first victory of 2019 at Spa.