[f1x2] The future of historic GP Monza New law threatens

The future of the historic Grand Prix at fabled Monza has taken a blow this week, according to reports in the Italian press
New law threatens Monza's F1 future

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone warned earlier this year that the existing Italian Grand Prix contract, running only until 2016, is a commercial "disaster".

And now, more bad news for Monza has emerged from the government, Italian newspapers including La Stampa reveal.

It is about the so-called 'legge di stabilita', or stability law, in which a decision of the senate has made the collapse of the Italian Grand Prix beyond 2016 reportedly more likely.

Reports said an amendment of the law allowing a tax exemption to the tune of about EUR 20 million has been ruled out.

Politician Fabrizio Sala is quoted as saying: "The stability law penalises Monza and its Autodrome, putting at risk the future of the Formula One Grand Prix".

But former F1 driver Ivan Capelli, who this year became a director of the automobile club of Milan, vowed to fight for the Italian Grand Prix.

"Our commitment to find the resources needed is clear," he insisted.



Italy has the lowest TV Ratings
Bernie Ecclestone says F1 may drop the Italian Grand Prix at Monza after 2016 due to the issue of commercial viability.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Ecclestone said:

"I don't think we'll do another contract, the old one was a disaster for us from a commercial point of view. So it's bye bye after 2016."

The Monza F1 race contract will expire in 2016 and Ecclestone is not sure if a new deal will be done. Ecclestone says that a new contract is unlike to happen because the old one had been disastrous from a commercial point of view.

Italian GP organizers find it hard to put together a commercial package due to the alarming drop of television ratings.

According to Ecclestone, Ferrari’s disappointing 2014 season could explain why ratings dropped alarmingly.

"TV ratings are lower in Italy than elsewhere," Ecclestone said.



When asked about how to improve ratings in Italy, Ecclestone simply said that Ferrari should perform better.



When asked about the possibility of the Italian Grand Prix being switched to Mugello, originally put forward by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, Ecclestone said no proposal had been received. Monza's struggles to put together a commercial package may be linked with the alarming drop of TV viewers in Italy, which Ecclestone thinks is because of Ferrari's recent downturn in fortunes.