With Bernie Ecclestone sticking to his guns, and warning that the days of 'preferred partner' - by which organisers of the Grand Prix at Monza received a more generous financial deal than that enjoyed by other promoters - are over, things were looking bad for the circuit which has a special place in the hearts of all F1 fans and drivers.

Such was the concern that Monza, and thereby Italy, might follow France and Germany, organisers at Imola met with the F1 supremo to see if the sport might return to the 'home' of the San Marino Grand Prix.

Despite the best efforts of SIAS, the company which manages the Milan track, things were looking bleak however, a new incentive by the government offers hope.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the government has approved a tax-free investment scheme that will allow the race to remain at the historic track which has hosted every Italian Grand Prix (bar one) since the inception of the formula in 1950.

"We can do it by early September," Lombardy governor Roberto Maroni told the Italian publication. "With this tax free investment we can close the deal with Mr Ecclestone.

"The grand prix has to stay at Monza, because Monza is Monza," he added.

Although happy to keep the Italian event at Monza - and why wouldn't he be, it is one of the most popular and iconic venues on the calendar - Ecclestone is insistent that (unlike payments to teams) there can be no concessions.

Subsequently talking to Radio Monte Carlo, Maroni said there is a 90% chance of Monza retaining the race.

"90%, the Grand Prix is saved," he declared. "The good news is that finally, after many attempts, the senate has approved a change of legislation, allowing the Lombardy Region to clear the Monza circuit from paying 10 million euros of taxes. This money can be put towards saving the grand prix and renewing the agreement."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 06/08/2015 15:20

"Save Monza and Imola too. Make Imola the permanent home of the GP of Europe instead of sending it off to some country hundreds of kilometers away from Europe."

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2. Posted by Canuck, 03/08/2015 22:30

""Ecclestone is insistent that (unlike payments to teams) there can be no concessions" - Bernie only makes concessions to fill his pockets or to save his hide (i.e. - German Court settlement). But when it comes to fans - remember he played with the idea of having the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard (which he owns) with no spectators - only TV rights (which he owns).
@ GordonW - Bernie considering the GPDA and that fan survey? He has already stated it was rubbish and that fans dont know what they are talking about. You can only be a fan if you wear a Rolex and drive a Rolls or Maybach."

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3. Posted by GordonW, 03/08/2015 21:41

"It would be great news if a "tax deal" could save the Italian GP at Monza. But could you imagine that happening for Silverstone? Not a chance - but there again, I suppose it's worth considering that this "tax deal" (i.e. reduction in taxes levied on Monza by the Italian Government) means that Italian taxpayers' money is effectively going straight into Bernie's pocket.

Perhaps Bernie should pay more attention to the recently published detailed results of the Fan Survey, particularly concerning F1 ensuring that certain European races should strictly be retained on the calendar...."

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Tax deal to save Monza?

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