Lombardy concerned over Monza deal delay

A general view of the circuit before the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 6, 2015
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Lombardy president Roberto Maroni admits that he is "concerned" a new deal for Monza's Italian Grand Prix is taking too long.

Lombardy president Roberto Maroni has admitted that he is "concerned" a new deal for Monza's Italian Grand Prix is taking too long.

Increasingly, it is clear that political problems between the four parties involved - Bernie Ecclestone, the automobile club Aci, organiser Sias and Lombardy - are holding up the renewal of the deal beyond 2016.

"There's a lot going on," Maroni told local broadcaster Telelombardia.

"We as a region are very busy; we have set aside €70m (£55.2m) for 10 years, not for the grand prix but for the Park (Parco di Monza), to enhance it and make it a place known in the world.

"These resources can also be used for the grand prix to renew the contract, but with a fundamental condition - that the region enters Sias, the company that runs [the race].

"I have told Ecclestone and Sticchi Damiani, the president of Aci, who are doing the deal, it is enough that Aci agrees to let the region in and then we have solved the problem."

He admitted, however, that he is worried the negotiations are taking a long time.

"I am concerned," said Maroni. "I see that time passes and nothing happens, and I would not like to see that Monza goes and perhaps Imola or Rome Eur (district) come in."

The 2016 Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for September 4.

A general view of the circuit during Previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 4, 2014
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