Formula 1 Italian GP
F1 set to make call on whether Italy can keep two grands prix
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali plans to make a decision soon on whether or not Italy can continue to host two grands prix each year.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Sep 6, 2023, 10:57 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza both have contracts that run until the 2025 season, but beyond that, there are no guarantees for either.
And amid growing competition from around the world for the right to host races, and suggestions other European races like Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort may have to rotate, the chances of Italy continuing to double up appear remote.
Speaking ahead of the Italian GP, Domenicali said that the topic of Monza and Imola's long-term prospects would be evaluated imminently.
“There is one issue that will be addressed in the short term, and that is to understand the future of Formula 1 in Italy,” he said.
“We will have to understand if there are the resources to be able to keep two grands prix on the calendar, or if we will focus on just one.
“I want to thank Imola, because the organisers were ready to take a chance in a difficult moment like COVID, confirming that they lived up to the commitment made.”
Monza is to begin work this autumn on upgrading facilities ahead of next year’s race in a bid to satisfy demands laid down by F1 chiefs. It is understood this will include bigger tunnels under the track, improved hospitality facilities and better grandstand areas.
Curva Parabolica, Monza
Photo by: Erik Junius
Domenicali said that such improvements were important because he wanted to see Monza keeping up with standards expected elsewhere.
“They have confirmed to me that the necessary renovation work on the facility will begin after the end of the grand prix,” he said.
“It's an important step because next year it's necessary to give a signal of improvement.
“The historical value of Monza is beyond question, but we also need to keep up with the times in terms of services, which must be in line with the prices paid by those who come to the racetrack. Within the next year, we will have clear ideas about the future."
Domenicali added that the spectator experience was a key aspect for him, as he pointed out the effort that venues like Zandvoort had made.
“There are countries that have made huge investments, building infrastructure in line with their financial possibilities,” he explained.
“But there are also other aspects that weigh on the evaluation of an event, and I think that in terms of entertainment what we saw last weekend in Zandvoort is a very good example. The way the audience was entertained was incredible."
Quotes from Roberto Chinchero
Read Also:
- What we learned from Friday F1 practice at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix
- How Monza lost an iconic element ahead of F1 2023
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article F1 Italian GP: Sainz remains in front in final practice
Next article F1 live: Italian GP qualifying as it happened
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Latest news
Ricky Stenhouse explains his side of Michael McDowell conflict
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Charlotte II
3 h
Ricky Stenhouse explains his side of Michael McDowell conflict
Barnes: Why IndyCar’s updated licensing system fails its own integrity test
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 4 h
Barnes: Why IndyCar’s updated licensing system fails its own integrity test
Why NASCAR is not penalizing Stenhouse, McDowell for post-race theatrics
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Charlotte II
5 h
Why NASCAR is not penalizing Stenhouse, McDowell for post-race theatrics
Dale Jr. explains why he doesn't use 'Earnhardt' in his signature
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup 7 h
Dale Jr. explains why he doesn't use 'Earnhardt' in his signature
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe