Monza’s contract with FOM runs until 2016 and the iconic venue had been facing an uncertain future until a new legislation has allowed increased funding for the race. As a result, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the head of the Italian Automobile Club (ACI), recently claimed that Monza was on the verge of signing a new seven-year contract with Ecclestone.
However, Italian publication Autosprint reports that the F1 supremo is demanding a $28m (£20m) annual fee – similar to what Austria is paying – when the organisers are offering $20m (£14m). Damiani insists the new deal is “very close to being finalised, though we still have to agree on some details”.
“Ecclestone has asked for $28 million, a figure much higher than what we are paying but also much lower than what other race tracks are giving,” the ACI chief is also quoted as saying by Italpress.