Monza Signs 4-Year Deal Extension for Italian GP

The diehard racing fans in northern Italy can rest assured: nobody will take away their Formula One race. In a time when F1 supremo has confirmed the introduction of a Rome Grand Prix in the near future – 2012 or 2013, it's still uncertain – there were some worries that this will replace the existing Italian Grand Prix held on the historical Monza circuit (near Milan).

With their current F1 agreement due to end after the 2012 season, Monza recently signed a 4-year extension with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management, which will keep the venue on the Formula One map until at least 2016. Meaning that even if Rome will become a regular round in the series, Monza will still hold the rights to the Italian GP until that date.

Until now, most of the rumors suggested that the Rome GP – the project has already been agreed and signed by the capital of Italy and Ecclestone – would be a one off in F1. However, should it become an instant hit, it is possible for the 79-year old Brit to want to travel to Rome more often after the 2013 season.

In the meantime, the war between the northern region of Italy and the Rome officials can now be brought to an end, as Monza finally got what it wanted: Ecclestone's confirmation on paper.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza is a historical circuit that has continuously hosted Formula One races since 1922. It has been the host of the Italian Grand Prix in every F1 season since the championship's debut in 1950.

The extended deal means Italy will once again host two races in Formula One. The last time that happened was in 2006, when Imola joined Monza on the F1 calendar as host of the San Marino Grand Prix. Italy had 2 races in the series between 1981 and 2006.