Lombardy concerned Monza is taking too long

Lombardy president Roberto Maroni has admitted he is "concerned" a new deal for Monza's Italian grand prix is taking too long. Increasingly, it is clear political problems between the four parties involved - Bernie Ecclestone, the automobile club Aci, organiser Sias and Lombardy - are holding up the renewal of the deal beyond 2016.

"There's a lot going on," Maroni told Telelombardia, a local broadcaster. "We as a region are very busy; we have set aside EUR 70 million for ten years, not for the grand prix but for the Park (Parco di Monza), to enhance it and make it a place known in the world. These resources can also be used for the grand prix to renew the contract, but with a fundamental condition -- that the region enters Sias, the company that runs it (the race)."

"I have told Ecclestone and Sticchi Damiani, the president of Aci, who are doing the deal, it is enough that Aci agrees to let the region in and then we have solved the problem," Maroni said. He admitted, however, that he is worried the negotiations are taking a long time. "I am concerned," said Maroni. "I see that time passes and nothing happens, and I would not like to see that Monza goes and perhaps Imola or Rome Eur (district) come in." (GMM)