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F1: 'Political' Rome grand prix saga rolls on

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

The prospects for a grand prix in Rome in the near future looked clouded on Monday.

Bernie Ecclestone said ten days ago that plans for a race in the Italian capital are "moving forward".

"That is going to be good," the F1 chief executive told the Telegraph, explaining he is eyeing a debut date in 2013.

"It's a bit political, obviously," added Bernie Ecclestone.

The political element is powered by F1's historic Italian date at Monza, with its supporters fearing Rome could ultimately be a replacement.

"Without Monza, it's not F1. That event is the past, the present and the future. And a move to Rome is not going to happen," Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is quoted on Monday by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The same publication quoted FIA president Jean Todt as adding: "Is it conceivable to have two grands prix of Italy? I would say no. I would say that in the future an Italian and a European grand prix could coexist, but this will depend on the programme and by the processing of applications from the promoter," added the Frenchman.





Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada