The future of the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit "has been secured for the next three seasons," according to Andrew Benson of the BBC. Monza signed a new contract until '19 with Formula 1's commercial arm worth a total of €68M ($72M). F1 will receive €22M ($23M) in '17 and '18 and €24M ($25.5M) in '19, "according to a source close to the deal." The move ends a "period of uncertainty over the future of Monza, which is the oldest race on the calendar." It first held the Italian GP in '21. The F1 group will also receive an additional figure -- said by sources to be in the region of €3M-€4M ($3.2M-$4.3M) -- to "exploit a space outside the back of the paddock formerly occupied by a museum and the rights to some of the merchandise shops at the track" (BBC, 11/29). SKY SPORTS reported organizers "were confident" in penning a contract worth €68M after successful negotiations with F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone back in September. In a statement, the circuit announced, "The renewal of the contract of the Italian GP at Monza has been signed" (SKY SPORTS, 11/29). AUTOSPORT's Lawrence Barretto reported the agreement was signed "in time for Wednesday's World Motor Sport Council meeting," where the '17 calendar is expected to be ratified (AUTOSPORT, 11/29).
