Ecclestone: Monza could lose Italian GP

[vcs316]

Bernie Ecclestone has dropped a bombshell on the F1 community today by threatening to take the Italian Grand Prix away from its spiritual home of Monza when its contract expires after the 2016 race.

The circuit has played host to all but one Italian Grand Prix since 1950, and has been used more times than any other circuit since the inauguration of the Formula 1 world championship. However, in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Ecclestone revealed that it is no longer in his interests to keep the race at the Milanese circuit.

“It’s not good,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll do another contract, as the old one has been disastrous for us from a commercial point of view, so it’s bye-bye after 2016.”

It is thought that the logical alternative would be Mugello, with the circuit being owned by Ferrari. However, Ecclestone has threatened to axe a number of races in the past, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. In the end, it underwent significant redevelopment and now holds a contract that takes the race past 2026.

Monza has played such a big part in the history of the sport, and is a favourite among the fans and drivers. If the race were to leave, it is likely that there would be considerable uproar.

However, it must be noted that this is not the first time Ecclestone has threatened to strip Monza of the race. He has flirted with the idea of a street race in Rome before, and this could also be an outside option should Mugello not get the nod.

http://richlandf1.com/?p=24624
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Is there no end to this greedy goblin's coffers???

[abbottcostello]

And now I'm reminded why I dislike Bernie

[Hornet]

I think it's just negotiation tactics
As the article stated, Bernie used to threaten Silverstone as well.

[SilverSpeed]

Must have been a day off for the nurses and Bernie got out of the retirement home again...

[Kiwi Nick]

**Referring to Bernie or anyone else in that manner is not allowed**

[abbottcostello]

I think it's just negotiation tactics
As the article stated, Bernie used to threaten Silverstone as well.

I'd say so too. It's just that Bernie would follow thru if he doesn't get whatever it is he's angling for, whether that's track updates, grandstands? Anyone know what Bernie dislikes about Monza?

[diego_alunan]

this will most definitely creat some uproar! Monza is a big part of F1.. Im all up for a rome street race or even our home mugello but i hope they keep monza ive been there a couple of times for the races and it is a spectacular experience everytime! I guess like in anything these days money talks. Hope the chaps get to figure it put so f1 can race there beyond future!

[Nova]

What? He may be talking to take peoples minds off the fact that the cars, rules, sound and racing
of F1 is a thing of the past.
Go ahead Bernie, lose what fans F1 has left.
All this bs, may be time for another break.
Whens the next WEC race?

[abbottcostello]

one thing I always forget about Bernie, it usually does take 2 or more weeks to see where he's going with a statement like this one, he doles out what he's thinking bit by bit & when you look at it all together (his statements) you finally see what he really wants to happen.

[Ed Harley]

What he wants is more money.

[fratelliferrari]

Bernie is getting too old...

[Alesi1]

Bernie is possibly one the greediest people on this planet. He takes in over 800 million dollars per year and it still isn't enough, that's mor than 10x per year what Michael got at his peak. And Bernie's income never stops. Statements like threats to rid monza, are a bluff that shoud be called. Give it formula E who at least have made their minds their up about being 'green' unlike f1 which has a foot in both camps. The powers that be are doing heir best to destroy this sport- shame,shame shame

[mirafiori]

Bernie is possibly one the greediest people on this planet. He takes in over 800 million dollars per year and it still isn't enough, that's mor than 10x per year what Michael got at his peak. And Bernie's income never stops. Statements like threats to rid monza, are a bluff that shoud be called. Give it formula E who at least have made their minds their up about being 'green' unlike f1 which has a foot in both camps. The powers that be are doing heir best to destroy this sport- shame,shame shame

Well I have said for some time now on this forum Bernie is a joke, he is a liar and a cheat defrauding the UK tax system of much needed money to help pay for hospitals and schools and the needed in this society. Monza is the home of Formula one from the very beginning, how can he even think of dropping Monza from the calendar, surly now it is time for this 3 foot 6 inch man to retire from this sport which we all love. Forza Ferrari..

[Alesi1]

Well I have said for some time now on this forum Bernie is a joke, he is a liar and a cheat defrauding the UK tax system of much needed money to help pay for hospitals and schools and the needed in this society. Monza is the home of Formula one from the very beginning, how can he even think of dropping Monza from the calendar, surly now it is time for this 3 foot 6 inch man to retire from this sport which we all love. Forza Ferrari..

I agree

[ManFromMilan]

Well I have said for some time now on this forum Bernie is a joke, he is a liar and a cheat defrauding the UK tax system of much needed money to help pay for hospitals and schools and the needed in this society. Monza is the home of Formula one from the very beginning, how can he even think of dropping Monza from the calendar, surly now it is time for this 3 foot 6 inch man to retire from this sport which we all love. Forza Ferrari..

Give that man a Bells!

[gvera]

What he wants is more money.

He is not hiding the fact that money is the problem, he did say preciselly that:

“I don’t think we’ll do another contract, as the old one has been disastrous for us from a commercial point of view, so it’s bye-bye after 2016.”

[wisepie]

After building F1 up to its commercial zenith over the years, he and the FIA are now conspiring to reduce it to a complete joke, not content with the financial and commercial rewards (except to himself) and now trying to rid the sport of the classic tracks on which F1 was built. I despair again as to where F1 is heading.

[Aberracus]

From Judge13

Monza replies to Ecclestone threat

In recent days, as is his want, Bernie Ecclestone has threatened the Monza circuit with the loss of the Italian Grand Prix when their current contract runs out in 2016. Ferrari have not commented on the outburst yet and there is some speculation that this would allow them to put forward their own Mugello circuit as a replacement venue.

With a rumoured cost of EUR 8 million a year for Monza’s hosting fee, this is reflected in the weekend ticket passes that generally work out to around half of the UK’s price for the equivalent British Grand Prix. The cynic may also add, that if the Monza authorities were to charge substantially more, the public would ‘find’ other ways of getting into the circuit as this writer has witnessed himself.

With Canada having negotiated a deal for 10 million per annum and the Nurburgring having avoided paying any hosting fee last year, it seems that this is the first salvo as a desperate Mr E struggles to retain control of a series that seems to be tiring of his bullying tactics.

As has been evidenced with all the latest additions to the championship, the Indian, South Korean and Turkish governments (amongst others) are not looking to invest in his business model anymore and are voting by withdrawing backing for their respective events.

Surprisingly the Italian associations have responded publicly with a passive statement – although to believe they will capitulate so easily is to misunderstand the game that is currently being conducted.

The president of the Automobile Club d’Italia, Angelo Sticchi Damiani stated earlier: “Ecclestone is right when he speaks of the disastrous commercial consequences of the contract and here I have to admit that Enrico Ferrari has worked wonders in securing such an advantageous deal.

However these privileged conditions don’t apply anymore and we have to open the purse strings to also invest in the circuit both in terms of technical and sporting development. This would only be possible with a joint effort between the ACI and the institution. Monza has a great ally in Jean Todt and the FIA president knows that Monza has great value.”

Monza’s circuit chief Frederico Bendinelli, agrees and is set to deal with Mr E on behalf of the S.I.A.S. “I know Ecclestone and his tactics. The problem with Monza is that the contract was signed some years ago and is less profitable for him.

This explains his words, but we will not under-estimate his threat. Just think of Spa, a track amongst the most prestigious yet for some years was excluded from the calendar. Still we have a number of favourable advantages, we are still the biggest contributor to the FIA and thanks to Ferrari we have a specific historic value.”

Bernie has known for decades that Ferrari is central to Formula One and whenever there has been negotiations in regards to the Concorde Agreement, or the threat of a breakaway series, he has always employed the same tactics. Divide and conquer and keep the Maranello squad happy come what may… let the shenanigans begin.

[Nero Horse]

Bernie might be one crazy old man but no way is he that crazy to axe Monza. He's obviously just using tactics again to get himself more money. But it is really stupid and pathetic that he's even making such threats in the first place. Bernie should eliminate himself from F1.