Rome Confirms F1 Grand Prix Deal Signed

Italy will soon host two races inside the Formula One championship, if we are to believe race organizer Maurizio Flammini's latest statements. The man who has been consistently linked with Rome's efforts to host a street race inside the Great Circle confirmed on Sunday that a deal with the Formula One execs has been done and signed.

Flammini, also known for organizing World Superbike events, has not revealed the year in which Rome will become a part of the Formula One calendar. Also, he failed to mention to the media if the event will be a one-off or a permanent destination for the F1 caravan. Either way, he confirmed that “the appropriate course (layout) still has to be defined.”

However, we have to mention the fact that, despite Flammini's statements for TV station Sky Italia, these deals are usually announced by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. And the fact of the matter is the 79-year old Brit has remained quiet about the Rome GP rumors and is yet to confirm any deal.

The fact that the Rome officials have been pushing for a Grand Prix of their own in F1 – therefore pleasing Ecclestone, who consistently asked for street circuit in the Great Circle – raised several concerns within the northern region of the country, namely the one where Monza circuit is located. Monza mayor Marco Maria Mariani officially blamed the Rome officials for their “arrogance” and even demanded not to take their Italian Grand Prix away.

“It's not true that it (a Rome GP) is an alternative to Monza. Monza is a grand prix on the circuit, and the grand prix of Rome is integrative to that of Monza, it's not a replacement,” responded Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno, according to Tuttosport.