Ecclestone: “Monza at risk after 2016”

Monza could lose its F1 GP. The boss of the queen category, Bernie Ecclestone, made this clear in an interview with Panorama magazine.

“It's possible that Europe will lose a couple of races to emerging markets,” says Ecclestone. “If we had to give up on Monza, and I mean if, because no decision has yet been made, it would only be for economic reasons. Of course, the quality of the circuit and the organization could be better, but – I repeat – that is not the crucial point." “My job is to maximize Formula 1's revenue and I have the obligation to let the teams race where it is most profitable for everyone.”

Ecclestone then denied his involvement in the judicial investigation which involved all the leaders of the Brianza circuit: “I have not received any request for clarification from the Italian magistrates. All our records are at their disposal."

Then a comment on his current role: “I'm no longer the owner of the shack. I could leave at any time, if the shareholders decided so or if I realized that I no longer enjoy it."

IMMEDIATE REACTION FROM THE LOMBARDY REGION – “Ecclestone's statements on the Monza GP are worrying – explained Antonio Rossi, councilor for sport and youth policies of the Lombardy region. “I ask for the Government's intervention to help us protect the Italian Grand Prix, which has written the sporting history of Formula 1 and which, above all, provides an important economic and job-related effect for the area”.