Negotiations to extend Imola's expiring Formula 1 contract have begun, according to Italian media, as the circuit aims to secure its place on the calendar beyond 2025.
Gian Carlo Minardi, president of race promoter Formula Imola and a former F1 team owner, addressed concerns raised by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who suggested that Imola's coexistence with Monza, which holds a contract until 2031, could be unlikely.
"Our job is to show that we are capable of continuing to organise a grand prix, to put into difficulty those who will have to decide how to draw the calendar," the 77-year-old told Sky Italia ahead of Imola's final race under its current deal.
"Negotiations have already started. The next few days will be important because everyone will be there and it will be easier to sit around a table," Minardi added.
Imola's efforts are bolstered by strong regional support, with Michele de Pascale, president of the Emilia-Romagna region, affirming commitment to the event. "For the institutions it is not a question of budget because there is strong interest in continuing," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "If we need a state, we have a state," he added with a laugh.
"Negotiations have been underway for some time. Monza does not prevent Imola from also being there."
Flavio Siniscalchi, head of the sports department at Italy's council of ministers, emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating, "The efforts of local and national authorities are crucial. We must encourage and strengthen inter-institutional collaboration."
