Ecclestone: “The renewal of the Italian Grand Prix is ​​unlikely”

In an interview given to the columns of Motorsport, Bernie Ecclestone has returned to talk about the possible confirmation of Monza on the Formula One world calendar. The FOM Boss explained that there is still a big economic difference on the negotiating table and that the confirmation of the Italian Grand Prix in Brianza depends only on the moves that the ACI will carry out in the coming weeks. The organizers of the race are in fact asking for a strong discount on the fee to be paid for the renewal of the event (between supply and demand there is around 10 million euros) and at the moment Ecclestone does not seem willing to grant "special" treatment compared to other Grands Prix Europeans (fixed fee for each appointment close to 25 million euros).

A stalemate situation where both sides do not seem to budge from their positions.

Here are the words of Bernie Ecclestone: “The negotiations have now been going on for two years and we have not yet managed to find a meeting point. The matter is quite simple: we have a product to sell and they have to decide whether to buy it. Stop. We are not doing any particular treatment and the amount of money we are asking for is the same as that paid by other European circuits. The renewal depends solely on them. They have always received "special" treatment and despite this, they were unable to make the Grand Prix work as best as possible."

“My impressions of the renewal? I'm pessimistic and I think it's a fairly unlikely option at the moment." he continued. “They don't want to pay and therefore I don't see why Monza should receive special treatment compared to other circuits. In the previous renewal they obtained a very strong discount which they would like to confirm, only that now things have changed significantly."

“Monza would be a serious loss for the world of Formula One, but conditions have changed compared to three years ago. They enjoyed something that cannot be replicated in the future"He concluded.

Roberto Valenti
Twitter: @RobertoVal94