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F1: Rome on the to do list; Australia ain't moving

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Max Mosley will tour the EUR district of the city of Rome, amid rising speculation a street grand prix in the Italian capital is a real probability.

Corriere dello Sport, a Rome based sports daily, said the FIA president's visit - while he is in the area on other business - is scheduled for next week.

An inaugural grand prix in the area has been touted for 2011 or 2012, with the reported backing of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone as well as the mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno.

It is suggested that Mosley, 68, will meet with prospective promoter Maurizio Flammini during his visit, as well as with local authorities.

Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone has told the mayor of Rome that a grand prix may be possible in 2013.

The F1 chief executive wrote in a letter that years of preparation may be necessary. He also pointed out that he is already in contact with the prospective promoter of the race, Maurizio Flammini.

During that time, in Australia, John Brumby, premier of the Victorian state government, has played down reports that the grand prix in Melbourne could be moved.

It was reported earlier this week that the company Linfox, a local transport giant, was keen on constructing a $200m venue at Avalon airport that would be cheaper to operate than the semi-permanent Albert Park circuit.

"I saw the speculation about it but I think the GP itself, they're pretty happy with where they are so I don't think it has gone any further than that (feasibility study)," Brumby, whose government picks up the losses of the annual Australian grand prix, told the Geelong Advertiser newspaper.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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