Bernie Ecclestone says the Italian Grand Prix is set to move to Imola if a deal with Monza fails to be completed.
Monza is in the last year of its current deal to host the race, and talks over the winter have so far failed to secure a new contract. Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) president Angelo Sticchi Damiani was previously confident a new seven-year deal would be signed but was also lining up Imola as a replacement venue if required.
Ecclestone now says "we'll be in Imola" if there is no further progress with Monza.
"We need to rely little bit on the national sporting authorities in the country to support," Ecclestone said. "So if it doesn’t happen in Monza they want to support it then we’ll be in Imola."
Asked what the chances are of Monza staying on the calendar, Ecclestone replied: "At the moment I don’t know, I really don’t know.
"They know when [the deadline] is in order to be on the calendar.
"I hope [the Italian Grand Prix remains], I hope it’s sorted out. It’s up to their national sporting authority to decide."
And when asked if Imola is ready to host a grand prix again, Ecclestone replied: "Well they’re doing a lot of work, so yes I think so."
FP3 REPORT: Hamilton's advantage cut to 0.25s as Perez crashes
AS IT HAPPENED: Grand Prix of Europe - FP3
Silbermann says ... Ballrooms and having a ball in Baku
Chris Medland’s 2016 Grand Prix of Europe preview
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
