News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Sports » Mosley cool on Rome Grand Prix idea

Mosley cool on Rome Grand Prix idea

February 05, 2009 16:02 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Max Mosley is cool on the idea of staging a Formula One Grand Prix in Rome.

Local authorities are weighing up a proposal by former Formula Two driver and world superbike promoter Maurizio Flammini to stage a race through the streets on the outskirts of the Italian capital.

Any plan would have to be approved by Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"I would be surprised if it happened," Mosley said in an interview published in Thursday's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I know how much effort and money it costs to organise a street circuit race in Monte Carlo. And Italy has lots of valid permanent circuits.

"Anyway it's Ecclestone's problem, not mine."

Mosley added that Formula One's governing body had not yet received a request from Rome to hold a race.

Italian media reported that an expert sent by Ecclestone surveyed the proposed site of the race in the EUR district on Wednesday.

Italy, home of Ferrari, has a grand prix at Monza each year and held two races until the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola was axed in 2006.

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has said a Rome Formula One Grand Prix would be unthinkable unless it was merely a one-off.

Mosley also said he was less than keen on Ecclestone's proposal for the drivers' championship to be decided by Olympic-style medals rather than points.

"The medals are an obsession of Ecclestone's. I don't see how they would encourage overtaking."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024