The Italian capital Rome is set to stage a Formula 1 race from 2012, Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed, after the historic city signed a seven-year deal to become the country’s second venue on the calendar.
The possibility of staging grand prix in Rome was first floated by former Formula 2 driver and world superbike promoter Maurizio Flammini in January, with any event to be run on streets around the outskirts of the city.
Following reports over the weekend that officials organising the event had been given the green light by Ecclestone, F1’s commercial impresario has now confirmed an agreement has indeed been reached.
The 79-year-old told The Times that he had negotiated an initial seven-year deal for a street race in Rome, with the contract including a further five-year option, and that he expects its first race to take place in 2012.
And, hinting the track layout will run close to the Vatican, Ecclestone quipped: “Every time there is an overtaking manoeuvre, we’re going to put the black smoke up.”
Flammini also confirmed to Italy’s
Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper that he had agreed on a deal with Ecclestone, but said that full details of the contract couldn't yet be revealed.
Rome’s mayor Gianni Alemanno, meanwhile, stressed that a grand prix in the city would not replace Italy’s legendary Monza event on the calendar, but complement it, while bringing crucial new revenue streams into the city.
“This would not be an alternative to the grand prix in Monza, but alongside it,” Alemanno said.
“We have calculated that there would be spin off benefits of €1 billion a year from this event and Rome needs to renew its tourist attraction with something aimed at families and young people.”
Italy had traditionally staged two grands prix on the calendar, at Monza and at Imola in San Marino, before the Imola event was dropped in 2007.
Spain, with races at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona and the new Valencia street circuit, is the only country currently with the honour of having two races on the calendar.