Monza eyes F1 deal before start of 2016 season

Monza is hoping to secure a new formula one race deal for the future before the start of the 2016 season. Recently, the risk the historic race could fall off the calendar subsided after a controversial law preventing the Italian automobile club (Aci) from contributing funds was tweaked.

But it then emerged that race organisers and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone were still negotiating the size of the annual race fee. However, Aci president Angelo Sticchi Damiani has been quoted by Tuttosport as saying: "In mid-March, before the start of the world championship, we hope to sign the agreement for the extension of the Italian grand prix at Monza."

"I am convinced," he added at an event in Sicily, "knowing the loyal person who is Bernie Ecclestone, that we will find an agreement." But Sticchi Damiani also warned: "It is not just an economic issue, there are still other details to finalise." (GMM)