Imola in talks to save the Italian Grand Prix

The mayor of the city of Imola, Daniele Manca, met with Bernie Ecclestone in London to discuss the possibility of Imola returning to the Formula 1 calendar. The Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit, tragically known for the fatal accidents of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna in 1994, has not hosted a Formula 1 race since 2006, although the circuit was revamped in 2007.

Last month, the representatives of the Italian Grand Prix met with Bernie Ecclestone to try to reach an agreement to keep the event at Monza, but discussions will not resume until the necessary financial funds are secured.

After many statements, Bernie Ecclestone announced that Monza must pay the same amount as other European venues to host a race. Fans have strongly criticized the possibility of losing the Italian Grand Prix, which is why Imola is entering discussions to bring the race back to their grounds.

The mayor of Imola, Daniele Manca, recently met with Ecclestone on this matter and explained the situation to him: « We want to show Bernie Ecclestone that Imola is ready to host Formula 1 again, but also to do what is necessary to keep the Italian Grand Prix. We presented our plan to revive the circuit, described the investments we have made, and what we plan to do in the coming years with our infrastructure. »

In recent years, the management team of the Imola circuit has tried to bring Formula 1 back to its grounds, but these attempts have been in vain. However, Daniele Manca stated that Ecclestone was open to the idea of a return in 2017: « Bernie told us that he never wanted to be far from Imola, he must remember that Enzo Ferrari asked him to organize a Grand Prix on our circuit. There are problems to solve, and one of the factors is obviously economic. Ecclestone has agreed to check the details and conditions under which it would be possible to organize the Grand Prix in 2017. »