The future of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza "remains uncertain" after this year with Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone saying on Friday that a deal "had become more complicated," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. The historic circuit near Milan, "which has been on the calendar every year bar one" since the championship started in '50, will host Italy's only race in September but has no contract beyond '16. Ecclestone: "It's Italian. A lot of conversations at the moment and not much action. They said to me a few months ago, 'Everything is sorted out, we know exactly where we are and it's all agreed and no dramas.' And now I heard yesterday it's become very political ... they'll get on with it. Or not. Nothing we can do about it." Automobile Club of Italy President Angelo Sticchi Damiani said last month that the basis of the contract "had been decided with only minor details to be resolved." Media reports indicated "one sticking point was over financial guarantees for circuit improvements." Ecclestone: "I don't know what's going to happen. It's a little bit Italian at the moment. The only people that can sort this out are the people that are currently involved in Italy" (REUTERS, 2/12).
