Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Monza close to new seven-year deal with FOM

Monza is set to remain the venue of choice for the future of the Italian Grand Prix when its current deal expires at the end of 2016, according to Angelo Sticchi Damiani, the head of the Italian Automobile Club (ACI).

The historic race's presence on the F1 calendar had been in jeopardy as it was short of achieving the necessary franchise fee demanded by FOM.

But a recent legislative amendment which now allows the ACI to assume funding for the event has put it once again in the good graces of Bernie Ecclestone.

"The Autodromo di Monza has had difficult times, but the worst is over and now we are close to signing with Ecclestone to have Formula 1 in Brianza for another seven years," Damiani told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We're going to win a battle that led to the ACI making tremendous sacrifices."
With the exception of 1980, Monza has been a fixture on the Grand Prix calendar since the inception of the World Championship in 1950.

McLaren legend Tyler Alexander dies aged 75

Hamilton v Prost v Schumacher

Eric Silbermann: A winter's tailwind

Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features

Five things to look forward in F1 in 2016

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.