Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

F1 very unwise to lose Monza - Damon Hill

Amid continued speculation regarding the future of Monza on the Grand Prix calendar, and ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, former World Champion Damon Hill has chimed in on the matter, warning that Formula 1 would be 'very unwise' to lose the iconic venue.

"When people want Grands Prix outside of new territories, let's say, they want it because of what they've seen at the grass roots of the sport, and the history of the sport," Hill told Sky Sports.

Monza's promoters and the regional government of Lombardy are set to meet with Bernie Ecclestone in the coming days in an attempt to extend Monza's deal with FOM.

Monza planning rescue talks with Ecclestone

But Formula 1's supremo has already warned that he won't compromise on the increased fee demanded for an extension of the Monza franchise, which he believes must be brought in line with the amount paid by other European venues.

"Monza is a very famous name, it means Grand Prix racing," Hill concluded.

" If you lose that, it'd be like losing Indianapolis. Indianapolis, Le Mans…all these places mean motorsport and I think that Formula 1 would be very, very unwise to lose a venue like Monza."

Click here for Chris Medland's Italian Grand Prix preview and bold podium prediction.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.