Italy's motorsport boss insisted that Monza "can still put together a deal to save its future as Italian Grand Prix host, with the national government set to get involved in discussions," according to Nate Saunders of ESPN.
Monza's deal as Italian Grand Prix host "ends next year but talks about a future beyond 2016 have repeatedly stalled." F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has said on several occasions that "the event could drop off the calendar, with a return to Imola mooted as one possible alternative earlier this year." Italian motorsport federation ACI President Sticchi Damiani said that "he remains optimistic a deal can be sorted out." Damiani:
"Monza must overcome the situation that we all know well. I think with a bit of optimism, there are opportunities for this to happen. Bernie is sensitive to the history of Monza, but F1 is expensive and we have to be able to meet the commitments."
Italian PM Matteo Renzi "is expected to attend this weekend's race at Monza and join discussions with Ecclestone about the circuit's future." With local government figures also involved, Damiani said that "it is crucial all the relevant parties work towards the same goal to assure Monza remains on the calendar beyond 2016" (ESPN, 9/2).
