MARCH 19, 2010

Italian GP extends deal through 2016

Monza officials have secured a deal to extend their current contract to host the Italian Grand Prix at the circuit until 2016, heading off rumors that a proposed Rome street race would take the race away.

SIAS, the company that operates the historic Italian track, chief Claudio Vigano commented: "The Italian Grand Prix will be at Monza until 2016. The extension of the contract has been signed."

Doubts over the parkland circuit's future had been raised after FOM boss Bernie Ecclestone recently talked about plans for a street race in Rome, potentially starting as early as 2013, but if this happens it will not be tagged the "Italian GP".

Monza has hosted more grand prix than any other circuit, and has missed only one year (1980) on the formula 1 calendar since the modern championship began in 1950.