Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that Imola will not feature on the formula one calendar of 2007.
After the traditional San Marino GP was still missing from the latest provisional calendar, the F1 supremo told an Italian newspaper on Thursday that Imola’s ‘Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ circuit would indeed not host a race next year.
The venue was reportedly in doubt due to delayed circuit renovations, but also a rumoured increase in Ecclestone’s annual fees.
“I’m sorry, but we have lost Imola,” 75-year-old Ecclestone was quoted as saying by the Corriere della Sera daily.
The Italian newswire ‘Ansa’ added that Imola mayor Massimo Marcignoli has just returned from meetings with Bernie in London with a personal letter confirming the non-renewal of the Imola contract.
But Ansa also asserted that Imola could return in 2008 with a different organiser, following the expiry of the ‘Sagis’ deal, and if new paddock and pit facilities have been erected.
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
