Officials: 'Monza still in game for Italian Grand Prix'

Officials are refusing to acknowledge that Monza's chances of keeping the Italian Grand Prix are now over.

Reports this week have suggested that Bernie Ecclestone has inked a deal with alternative race host Imola, but the truth is that the contract is not yet signed.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told the Italian media from his holiday in Croatia that Monza's problem is "political", and that if a deal with Imola falls through, "we will have to say 'goodbye' to F1 in Italy".

Yet Italian automobile club chief Angelo Sticchi Damiani hit back by saying those political hurdles have now been cleared.

Lombardy vice president Fabrizio Sala has now told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm sorry that Ecclestone said the obstacles for the Monza GP are political.

"The region has already done its part and at the end of May confirmed the allocation of €5m (£4.2m) per year needed to close the contract.

"We are pleased that the president of the Aci, Sticchi Damiani, has clarified that there is no political problem and that next week a binding offer will be presented to FOM. We hope a conclusion can be reached quickly. The grand prix of Italy at Monza is part of our tradition and we can't allow it to be lost."

This year's Italian Grand Prix takes place on September 4.