Ferrari opposed to grand prix in Rome – team

Ferrari has waded into the fierce debate in Italy about whether a Rome street race should co-exist with historic Monza on the formula one calendar of the near future.

Previously, the famous Italian marque has been reluctant to comment on the controversy, with Monza and its supporters fiercely opposed to the capital’s serious plans for an event in the EUR district.

But Luca di Montezemolo is reported to have finally made his position clear with Italian media this week when he said he would like to see “a one race per nation limit”.

But Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The president of Ferrari told me that he has never said anything indicating that he is against a one-off race in the capital.”

Ferrari has moved to clarify its stance with a statement by team boss Stefano Domenicali posted on the team’s official website.

“Our sport is increasingly expanding the number of countries hosting a grand prix and all the teams are in agreement about that.  Therefore it is inevitable that it will no longer be possible to have two races in the same nation,” he said.

Domenicali however cautioned that “It’s not the job of the teams who choose where a grand prix is held, that’s up to the commercial rights holder.  Everything else is pure speculation.”

Mayor Alemanno confirmed that he is meeting this week with local residents and committees in the EUR district to talk about issues including the proposed Rome grand prix.
 © RIF | GMM