Italian GP set for legal battle

Imola bosses are preparing to take Italy's motorsport governing body to court over the right to host the 2017 Italian Grand Prix.

With Monza's future as the traditional venue of choice for the F1 event put into jeopardy this year following political and financial issues, Bernie Ecclestone awarded a tentative date to Imola , conditional on organisers securing the necessary financial guarantees and the backing of the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI).

The latter condition may prove difficult to fulfill as ACI president Sticchi Damiani has openly voiced his support for Monza.

Backed by its recently signed agreement with FOM, Imola has therefore decided to take legal action against the ACI, denouncing its handling of the issue and biased support for Monza.

"Formula Imola, in her own right, and solicited by FOM, attended free negotiations which led to Formula Imola taking on the contractual commitment," said a statement issued by the Imola organisers.

"Furthermore, the same proposal, sent by Formula One Management and Formula One World Championship to SIAS and the Autodromo di Monza was not accepted.

"We want the national bodies to jointly assess and look at every possible option to prevent such a serious risk to the country’s image in sporting terms."

According to Formula Imola president, Selvatico Estense, the ACI's Damiani is only interested in helping Monza.

"I think it's a political issue," explained Estense to Motorsport.com.

"We have an agreement with Bernie, and we only need the approval of the national sporting authority.

"If in the future there is not an Italian GP, it is only the problem of Mr Sticchi Damiani, who didn't allow this agreement."

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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.