JUNE 26, 2015

Arrivabene comments on Monza, Raikkonen rumours

Maurizio Arrivabene has thrown Ferrari's voice behind the plight of Monza.

In recent days, it has been said the historic Autodromo's best chance of hanging onto the Italian grand prix might be to annually alternate with another venue, like Imola.

And it is quietly rumoured that Ferrari would not mind if its own circuit, Mugello, is in the running.

The negotiations, as always, are being handled by Bernie Ecclestone, with Arrivabene telling La Repubblica newspaper in Milan: "We are not involved in the decisions affecting the grand prix of Italy.

"Of course, the Italian grand prix is at Monza, as we have said many times," he added.

"I think Mugello is a very technical track, but the Italian grand prix is Monza, and it always will be."

The other big topic regarding Ferrari at present is the uncertain shape of the team's 2016 lineup, with Williams driver Valtteri Bottas now strongly linked to the seat currently occupied by struggling Kimi Raikkonen.

"(Sergio) Marchionne is clear," Arrivabene said, "as I myself have always been clear: the future of Raikkonen is in his hands."

(GMM)