De Paddock - ook imola is bedreigd

Quote:

Imola joins Silverstone under threat.

Silverstone is not the only circuit facing the threat of losing its annual grand prix, with news that Imola needs serious investment to guarantee its future on the Formula One schedule.

The Italian circuit, home of the country's 'second' grand prix, was one of four listed as provisional on the calendar announced at the end of the 2001 season. Along with fellow Italian venue Monza, the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit was still to sign a new commercial agreement with the series organisers, but this may not now be the only sword hanging over its head.

According to the national Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, the circuit needs to carry out extensive renovations if it is to continue to meet the stringent FIA safety requirements - and does not have the funds to do so.

The rival Corriere della Sera claims that some 50 billion lira needs to spent on both Imola and Monza, but states that Monza has already attracted funding and has work underway.

"Monza, which has already started, and Imola must carry out extremely expensive renovations," Franco Lucchesi, the head of Italy's national motorsport organisation, the ACI, confirmed to Reuters, "The regional authorities and government must give a concrete economic contribution, otherwise the Formula One inheritance of these two venues will end up evaporating."

Ironically, Lucchesi confirmed that a new commercial agreement had been agreed for both circuits.

Silverstone remains provisional pending an MSA report into its traffic problems being scrutinised by the FIA, while Melbourne waits to hear whether it will be included on the 17-race schedule following the death of marshal Graham Beveridge at the race there in March.