Monza can survive without F1 race - boss

Jan.20 (GMM) Monza insists it would survive even without the iconic Italian grand prix.

Bernie Ecclestone said last year that the current contractual terms with the fabled Autodromo Nazionale are "a disaster", warning that "after 2016, bye-bye".

It then emerged shortly before Christmas that the new, so-called 'stability law' passing through parliament could cost Monza up to about EUR 20 million in tax exemptions.

But Francesco Ferri, the new director of the Monza race organiser Sias, insists the famous circuit would survive even without formula one.

"2017 will arrive anyway, with or without Bernie Ecclestone," he is quoted by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"If we do not extend the contract that expires next year, we have prepared a 'plan B' for the maintenance of the circuit, a number of competitions and the development of complementary activities," Ferri insisted.

The report said F1 supremo Ecclestone is asking for about EUR 20 million per year for the new race fee.

When asked about those demands, Ferri answered: "We look with great interest to the experience of the sponsor (Red Bull) who revived the Zeltweg circuit" in Austria.