03/08/2015
NEWS STORY
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."