Automobile Club of Milan President Ivan Capelli indicated the future of Formula 1's Italian Grand Prix at Monza "appears to have been secured," according to Rencken & Barretto of AUTOSPORT. Monza's place on the calendar beyond next season "was up in the air as negotiations over an extension failed to find a resolution." It is understood there was a "difference in opinion" between F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone and the organizers "regarding the size of the race hosting fee." But ex-F1 driver Capelli said that a change to the law that "allows the Automobile Club of Italy to use its finances to fund the race means a deal can be struck." When asked if the future of the Italian GP at Monza was "now safe," Capelli said, "Yes. The Italian government confirmed the amendment in the law that Automobile Club of Italy can use the money from all the companies that are connected to it to pay the fee for the Italian Grand Prix organized in Monza." Capelli said the length of the new contract is "still under discussion but he would like to reach the track's centenary" in '22 (AUTOSPORT, 12/18).
