F1: Impasse over Italian GP's future

Italian Grand Prix bosses are to meet Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone again later this month after a recent meeting to secure Monza's future on the calendar proved inconclusive.

Last month, president of the Automobile Club of Italy Angelo Sticchi Damiani said a new deal was close to being finalized to safeguard the race through to either 2020 or 2023. He added funding had been secured and he was hopeful a deal would be done by the end of February.

However, after a meeting between the two parties earlier this month, an agreement has yet to be reached. It is believed the circuit's bosses are required to provide guarantees regarding circuit investment and development before a long-term deal will be agreed to.

Sources suggest circuit officials want to improve the quality of the grandstands, develop the public areas and improve the parking situation, made difficult by its park location.

Monza has hosted the Italian GP every year since the world championship started in 1950, apart from 1980 when the event went to Imola. The venue's current contract expires after this year's race in September.

Originally on Autosport.com