Mar.21 (GMM) The seriousness of Rome’s bid to stage a grand prix has revved up even further
The Italian capital’s sports councillor Allessandro Cochi has revealed “very frequent contacts and visits by FIA officials”
“The possibility of running a grand prix in Rome in 2012 is ever more feasible,” he is quoted as saying by the news agency ANSA
While Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly excited at the prospect, FIA president Max Mosley and Ferrari’s Luca di Montezemolo have been cooler about considering a full-time calendar spot for Rome
But ANSA claims that the possibility of a one-off event is now gaining strength, despite promoter Maurizio Flammini wanting a multi-year agreement
“I’ve spoken to (F1 chief executive) Bernie and if, as it appears, the costs can be totally borne by private investors, I think it would be interesting to make an in-depth assessment of its feasibility,” Montezemolo said
Another Italian, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, heralds the idea as “fantastic”, predicting a Rome GP would be “spectacular”
Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno, however, insists that the chequered flag is not set to wave quite yet
“The negotiations are complicated, almost as complicated as organising an Olympic Games,” he said
