New law threatens Monza future on F1 calendar

[Nero Horse]

The future of the historic Grand Prix at fabled Monza is back grabbing headlines and has now taken a blow this week, according to reports in the Italian press.

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone warned earlier this year that the existing Italian Grand Prix contract, running only until 2016, is a commercial “disaster”.

And now, more bad news for Monza has emerged from the government, Italian newspapers including La Stampa reveal.

It is about the so-called ‘legge di stabilita’, or stability law, in which a decision of the senate has made the collapse of the Italian Grand Prix beyond 2016 reportedly more likely.

Reports said an amendment of the law allowing a tax exemption to the tune of about €20 million has been ruled out.

Politician Fabrizio Sala is quoted as saying: “The stability law penalises Monza and its Autodrome, putting at risk the future of the Formula 1 Grand Prix”.

But former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli, who this year became a director of the automobile club of Milan, vowed to fight for the Italian Grand Prix, “Our commitment to find the resources needed is clear.”

http://www.grandprix247.com/2014/12/...n-f1-calendar/

:xmasfrown:

[fratelliferrari]

Read it a few days ago and really shocked me!!! F1 can't be without Monza on the calender but probably Ecclestone will think only about his own money!

[tylerbo]

absolute joke, best circuit on calender for me if only for the sheer speed.

[Nova]

How can there be no Monza? Its like there being no Ferrari....
As always, a matter of some individual trying to make a
name for himself by doing something absurd.
And how can it be a commercial disaster? Its packed.
Take a look at the grandstands at some of the races..lots of empty seats.
Germany being one that comes to mind..China, shall I go on?

[Sriharsha]

How can there be no Monza? Its like there being no Ferrari....
As always, a matter of some individual trying to make a
name for himself by doing something absurd.
And how can it be a commercial disaster? Its packed.
Take a look at the grandstands at some of the races..lots of empty seats.
Germany being one that comes to mind..China, shall I go on?

you forgot to add Bahrain

[wickedf1]

It would be a disaster! Let us hope a solution is found.

[dfunk257]

Monza is the oldest F1 circuit on the calendar. It is also 1 of the greatest spectacles in motor racing full stop. So if they get rid of it then F1 and Bernie himself will really become a joke.
Imo its like getting rid of Indianapolis.

[Ed Harley]

Excuse my French but Monza is a boring track.

[Hornet]

Monza is unique in the sense that it's a predominately straight line speed track. It encourages a different setup approach, and offers a different kind of challenge. All the other track encourages maximum downforce setup these days. This is where Monza stands out.

In the past we used to have two such track, but with Hockenheim being modified to it's modern version, Monza is the only track left with such characteristic. That alone is reason enough to retain the track in F1. After all, we can't call F1 the pinnacle of motorsport and not have a track that test straight line speed.

Bernie is just using his old negotiation trick, he's done it many times in the past with tracks like Silverstone. But it would be a shame if the nation's politics result in Monza being excluded in the future.

[NickEice]

Bernie is just using his old negotiation trick, he's done it many times in the past with tracks like Silverstone. But it would be a shame if the nation's politics result in Monza being excluded in the future.

Read the article again. It is the Italian Government's new tax law, not Bernie that is putting Monza in jeopardy.

[grinchy]

absolute joke, best circuit on calender for me if only for the sheer speed.

Sorry, have to disagree in that IMOLA was the best track in Italy of that there is no doubt! and that
got the boot many years ago. Now that's a crying shame.
Monza is all part of F1 history and yes it would be sad to see it go but Bernie is moving F1 out of Europe IMO.

[Nero Horse]

Excuse my French but Monza is a boring track.

That is hogwash, not to mention a sacrilege as well. But, you're entitled to your own opinion.

[fratelliferrari]

Excuse my French but Monza is a boring track.

[Samcar222]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aXD64xbNZo

I'll just leave this little gem here.

[fratelliferrari]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aXD64xbNZo

I'll just leave this little gem here.

:xmasbiggrin:

[Suzie]

As much as I dislike Bernie, before everyone blames him, this appears to be more to do with the Italian government than him?

[Hornet]

Read the article again. It is the Italian Government's new tax law, not Bernie that is putting Monza in jeopardy.

Hence I mentioned the nation's politics. I am well aware that certain law is what's threatening the race.

[fratelliferrari]

As much as I dislike Bernie, before everyone blames him, this appears to be more to do with the Italian government than him?

I thought Bernie was to blame for every problem in the world :xmastongue:

[Nero Horse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aXD64xbNZo

I'll just leave this little gem here.

Really nice! Thanks for posting. :xmassmile:

[wisepie]

The thought of losing Monza beings tears to my eyes, as did the video, it just shouldn't be allowed to happen and the Italian government should know how much it is worth to the country and Italian pride.