The Italian Grand Prix is set to remain at Monza until 2019 after confirmation of an impending new contract on Friday afternoon.
Bernie Ecclestone and race organisers held a press conference at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza on Friday where it was confirmed the race will remain on the calendar for the next three years. Monza's future had been uncertain while negotiations with Ecclestone were ongoing, with this year's race having been the last on its current deal.
Imola had been touted as a possible alternative location for the race, but Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) president Angelo Sticchi Damiani confirmed to F1i earlier this year that government legislation only allowed additional funding if the race was held at Monza.
Ecclestone says the contracts have yet to be formally signed but says a three-year deal is agreed.
"We're getting all the small details that are important in a contract together and we'll sign this," Ecclestone said. "So there's no problem with having a race here at all. It will be here. The contract is only going to be for three years but hopefully we're here for another hundred years."
The Italian Grand Prix has been an ever-present on the F1 calendar and has been held at Monza for every year except 1980, when it was held at Imola.
Silbermann says ... Mad about Max, Monza and Massa
Claire Williams on Felipe Massa and 2017 driver plans
Romain Grosjean column: Speed, sponsors and scheduling
2016 Italian Grand Prix preview
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…
Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…
Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…
Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…
Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…
The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…