Just weeks after he axed the race from the 2007 calendar, Ecclestone has revealed that he isn't ruling out a possible return for the Imola grand prix. However, it definitely won't take place next season.
"Out of habit I don't use the word 'never' in life, so I don't rule out anything in the future," Ecclestone told Autosprint magazine.
For 2007 the question is closed, if and when the works are finished, we'll see.
"There's always more and more interest in F1, new emerging economies want it, and with the renewal of the Concorde Agreement, from 2007 teams will receive a lot more financial resources.
"Many want to host a GP, so to be able to satisfy organisational costs is the minimum in my opinion. Imola has always lived a situation of absolute privilege, it couldn't last forever."
The circuit, though, is currently undergoing renovations in the hope of returning to the F1 calendar. However, even if the upgrade is completed by next season, Ecclestone says the race won't take place.
"I don't think all the works would be finished by March," he said.
"To reform a circuit it's not enough to say it, you also need to do it. Just look at what kind of phenomenal structures were build by the new countries hosting a GP in the last years.
"Even Monza, with all the limitations due to its location, has managed to renovate itself, even though every time a new problem appears: a judge complaining about the noise, tobacco advertisement, but things got done.
"At Imola, by contrast, there were only problems. A shame, because I think the circuit could be very financially rewarding but the entire system had to be changed.
"Maybe now they'll be calmer by organising amateur races, maybe that's their evolution."
Source: planet-f1.com
Photo: f1-fansite.com
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