Rome to Host F1 Race in 2011?

Paris might benefit from the support of the French Senate to hold the 2011 French Grand Prix, but they might face tough competition from Rome in order to secure a spot in the F1 schedule. As reported by the Reuters news agency, the city officials are ready to make all the necessary steps in order to bring F1 racing to the people of Rome.

The idea was launched late last year by former race driver Maurizio Flammini, currently involved with the organization of Superbike races in Italy. In December 2008, Flammini – who spent most of his professional years racing in the Formula 2 championship back in the 1970s – revealed that a location change for the Italian Grand Prix is quite possible in the years to come.

“With the new trend for city races, there are perhaps opportunities for Rome to organize a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The idea has been around for a number of years. Never say never,” said Flammini a few weeks ago, according to the aforementioned source.

It seems that Flammini now benefits from the political support of Rome's mayor Gianni Alemanno also, as announced by a city council spokesperson, according to Reuters. “It's an idea Flammini has proposed and mayor Gianni Alemanno has said it is possible,” admitted the spokesman, who did not reveal any further details on the matter.

The Italian Grand Prix is currently being held by the historical venue of Monza. Should Rome bid for a place in the F1 calendar starting 2011, Bernie Ecclestone would have to make up his mind on whether he should keep Monza – a circuit that attracts more than a 100,000 fans to the race track every year – or replace it with a street circuit in Rome. Details on the matter are expected to emerge from the Italian authorities during the course of next month.