Questions over the future of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza are once again being shed as the fabled circuit in Milan looks toward their centenary in four years time.
There were fears the 2016 event could be the last with the contract expiring and organisers unable to meet the fee demanded by then CEO Bernie Ecclestone and claims that the former San Marino Grand Prix venue at Imola had agreed on a deal.
Eventually, the matter was resolved and a new three-year extension with Monza was awarded but now there are fresh concerns the ‘Temple of Speed’ may not be able to fulfil it.
“If conditions do not change, we can no longer guarantee the future of the Grand Prix at Monza,” Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the head of Italy’s ACI motorsport body told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“For the 100-year anniversary in 2022, it’s only right that the circuit must be adapted,” he added, suggesting the financial requirement to upgrade Monza while hosting F1 is not doable.
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Damiani also offered an insight into the first meeting between Liberty Media and all 21 race promoters, who gathered in London for talks on the future vision of the F1 owners for race events .
“What I notice is a general suffering,” he claimed. “On the part of Liberty, it is because a monstrous investment has been made and now there must be a return.
“And also on the side of the teams, who have even higher costs, and us as organizers who are strangled [there must be a return].”