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The future of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza has been placed in further doubt after a drop in ticket sales. The current contract with the venue is set to expire after the 2019 race, and there are worries that a new deal will be too expensive to sign.
Monza has held the most Grands Prix in Formula 1's history, as the race this year is the 68th running at the track. However, despite Ferrari's push back towards a championship challenge, ticket sales have dropped at the legendary circuit.
It has left Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the president of the Automobile Club d'Italia concerned over its future: "A year ago Vettel had gone on holiday as the world [championship] leader, now he is in the role of pursuer," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "My wish is the exact opposite of what happened a year ago, when from Monza onwards Mercedes took off."
Liberty Media, F1's owners, has spoken about its desires to reduce the costs of hosting races. Germany's future is in major doubt, while there are still question marks over the future of the British Grand Prix. Damiani says costs must come down in order for the circuit to continue hosting F1 races.
"We closed last year's race with a strong loss, and the 2018 budget will not be different either," he said. "It is clear that such a situation is not sustainable in the long term. The ACI is ready to do its part, but not under any conditions. [Chase] Carey has always told me that an F1 without Monza is unthinkable, and in four years it will celebrate its centenary. We agree on that, but we must also deal in facts."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
How do Monza manage to close a race with a loss? Surely such a hugely popular track would be one of the more beneficial races to have on the calendar?
f1dave
Posts: 782
Don't worry there will always be Miami.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Let the capitalism handle it.