MARCH 10, 2016

FIA approves Mugello for F1 races

While Charlie Whiting was at Watkins Glen (US), FIA inspectors were also in Italy.

Whiting, the F1 race director, visited the iconic Watkins Glen circuit in New York and declared it would make a "wonderful" addition to the annual calendar.

"But we all know it is not quite as simple as that," he smiled.

Indeed, Watkins Glen declared on its official Twitter account: "We never implied that F1 may return. Many tracks receive FIA certifications that do not host formula one events".

At the same time, over in Italy, FIA inspectors including Roland Bruynseraede were at Mugello, a Ferrari-owned circuit, to confirm the track's Grade 1 status.

Italian reports including the broadcaster Sky said Grade 1 allows "any type of racing under the aegis of the FIA, including formula one".

It comes amid speculation the future of Monza, the historic venue of the annual Italian grand prix, remains under a cloud amid difficult negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone.

Mark Webber was quoted as saying: "I would rather do 10 laps at Mugello than 1000 in Abu Dhabi."

(GMM)