Monza attempt to keep F1 Grand Prix 'hard, but optimistic'

(ANSA) - Rome, May 4 - The head of Italy's Olympic Committee (CONI) Giovanni Malagò said Wednesday that the Monza Formula One Italian Grand Prix was "sacred" and that he was optimistic that it would stay in the city despite the difficulties involved. The sporting event has been held there since 1922 but the deal for Monza to host it will expire in 2017. The head of the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI), Angelo Sticchi Damiani, said Wednesday that "it is very important that a unified effect be made by all those involved, since costs may rise. Bernie Ecclestone (Formula One chief executive) is very good at exploiting these situations. Our resources are not infinite, we have done the calculations and we know that in any case we will suffer losses, since beginning in 2017, ACI will have to cover a very high figure." Malagò added that "today I was very happy to see the almost casual complicity that emerged between Sticchi Damiani and Antonio Rossi (member of the board and councilor for sport of the Lombardy region, Ed.). Both are speaking to governor Roberto Maroni to find the solution that we are all hoping for. It will be a typical Italian-style ending. We know of other cases like this - the situation is not easy but I am optimistic." The Italian Grand Prix (Gran Premio d'Italia) is one of the longest-running events on the Formula One calendar. The Italian Grand Prix was also one of the inaugural Formula One championship races in 1950, and has been held every year since then. The only other championship race for which this is true is the British Grand Prix, and the only other inaugural F1 races that are still on the calendar are the Monaco Grand Prix and the Belgian Grand Prix.