Imola has begun discussions with F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "to save the Italian Grand Prix if Monza is unable to secure a fresh contract for 2017," according to MOTORSPORT. Imola Mayor Daniele Manca met with Ecclestone in London on Monday "to discuss the possibility of the track getting a grand prix back." Imola "has not hosted an F1 race since it held the San Marino Grand Prix in 2006, prior to a circuit revamp that took place in 2007." Ecclestone "has made it clear several times that he wants Monza to pay the same as other European venues to host the race after its current contract runs out next year." The prospect of losing the Italian Grand Prix "has been met with intense criticism from fans, which is why Imola chiefs are now eager to push for their own solution to keep the country on the F1 calendar." Although Imola "has not come near being able to put a fresh F1 deal together in recent years, Manca claimed that Ecclestone was open to the idea of a 2017 return." Manca: "Bernie told us that he never wanted to go away from Imola -- and he must remember that Enzo Ferrari originally asked him to organize a grand prix on our circuit" (MOTORSPORT, 6/15).
