Monza Officials Hold Fresh Talks With Ecclestone Over Grand Prix Future
Autodromo Nazionale Monza representatives met Bernie Ecclestone again this week as negotiations continue to secure the Italian Grand Prix’s future beyond the current contract.
Officials from the Autodromo Nazionale Monza met with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone this week, continuing efforts to secure the Italian Grand Prix’s place on the calendar beyond the end of the current contract. The meeting follows a previous round of negotiations that ended in a stalemate, according to Ecclestone’s earlier comments.
Ivan Capelli, former F1 driver and now a Monza official, described the latest discussions as positive. Capelli confirmed that Andrea Dell’Orto, president of the Monza and Brianza industrial association, also attended. The talks focused on finding a path to a new four-year deal for the historic circuit, which has hosted the Italian Grand Prix since 1922.
Support from local government and industry
The Lombardy regional government, led by president Roberto Maroni, has thrown its support behind Monza’s campaign. Maroni is leading a petition drive, aiming to present thousands of signatures at the Italian Grand Prix in September. The goal is to demonstrate public and political backing for the event and to pressure Ecclestone to agree a deal on terms Monza considers sustainable.
Monza’s position is that the Italian Grand Prix should remain at its traditional home, but the circuit’s management has made clear it cannot meet what it calls “exorbitant and absolutely unsustainable” financial demands. The region, city and national government are all being asked to help secure the necessary funding to keep the race at Monza.
Next steps in contract negotiations
Monza officials say a roadmap towards contract renewal has been defined, but the outcome will depend on whether the required resources can be assembled. The circuit’s current deal is set to expire after the 2016 race, and Ecclestone has previously warned that the Italian Grand Prix could be dropped if terms are not agreed. For more on Ecclestone’s approach to Italian Grand Prix negotiations, seeMontezemolo: Ecclestone’s Monza Exit Threats Are Nothing New.
