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Ecclestone Gives Go-Ahead to Rome GP

The Italian Grand Prix being held on the streets of Rome doesn't seem like a mirage anymore. Initially considered an extravagant idea of Superbike World Championship promoter Maurizio Flammini, it seems that Bernie Ecclestone has already given his “blessing” on the Italian capital hosting an F1 race in 2011, or even sooner.

According to an interview published by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport the other day, Flammini admitted having talked the idea through with the F1 supreme during Ferrari's International Skiing event at Madona di Campiglio earlier this month. Having received a positive feedback, the former F2 driver revealed that the matter now rests solely in the hands of the Rome mayor and presidents of the region.

“Together we reflected on how much street circuit Grands Prix represent an interesting opportunity for the growth of F1, as it happened last year with Valencia and Singapore. Being a Roman myself, I feel Rome can give a lot to and get a lot from F1,” said Flammini, according to the aforementioned source.

He also revealed that, should the Rome officials make up their minds on allowing Flammini Group to proceed in setting up the new layout, the Italian capital might make its debut into the F1 calendar even sooner than 2011.

“Our hypothesis is to be ready for 2011, but we wouldn't mind for it to occur earlier than that. The Flammini Group can give absolute guarantees quality-wise, but we are yet to find the approval from the mayor and from the presidents of the region and of the province,” concluded Flammini.

The Rome mayor is yet to officially announce his approval (or disapproval) on the matter within the upcoming weeks.
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