The Imola management has signed an agreement with F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone to run the Italian GP from '17, but the "plans can only go ahead if the country's national sporting authority gives its approval," according to Adam Cooper of MOTORSPORT. However, Automobile Club d'Italia President Angelo Sticchi Damiani has "continued to support Monza's case, despite the venue's financial problems." While Imola has signed its side of the deal, Ecclestone cannot do so "until the ACI formally approves the switch." Representatives of Imola were at the British GP to "meet with Ecclestone and further their case to hold the race." One possible scenario "could be an alternating deal, in the same way that Hockenheim and the Nurburgring shared the German GP," although Imola -- which hosted the Italian GP on one previous occasion in '80 -- is "also happy to go it alone." Imola is "keen to have an answer so that it can get on with preparations." Formula Imola President Uberto Selvatico Estense said, "I think we don't have too much time to decide. We are going on with the work, also without an answer from Mr. Sticchi Damiani." Selvatico Estense insists that Imola "is in good financial health, and says that the venue continues to be upgraded in preparation for the possible return of F1" for the first time since the 2006 San Marino GP (MOTORSPORT, 7/18).
