Italian GP gets five-year contract extension

Formula 1 and Italian Grand Prix organisers have signed a new deal which will see the championship race at Monza at least until the end of 2024.

The Italian Grand Prix was listed on the 2020 calendar which was released last week, but ‘subject to contract signature’.

A new, five-year contract between F1 and the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), the local ASN, means all of next year’s events are now locked in.

The ACI’s president, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, likened the agreement to winning multiple championships.

“It is just like winning a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a very hard and important one, fought to the finish line – which counts as not one but five titles,” said Damiani.

“It’s with great satisfaction that I welcome the conclusion of the agreement between ACI and Formula 1, which guarantees the inclusion, for the next five years, of the Italian Grand Prix in the calendar of the Formula 1 World Championship, and ensures that the event will take place in the ‘Temple of speed’: the Monza Eni Circuit, not only the oldest but also the fastest and most spectacular circuit of the whole motorsport.

“A great outcome for ACI, for Monza, for the Lombardy Region and Italian sport in general, which opens up a five-year perspective to build a future that matches the legendary past that has made Monza a world capital of motorsport.”

F1 CEO Chase Carey acknowledged the history of the Italian Grand Prix and Monza, the former of which has been a fixture since the inception of the world championship in 1950, and the latter having hosted all but one of those races.

“We are really pleased to have reached an agreement with the ACI which ensures the Italian Grand Prix will remain on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar until at least 2024,” said Carey.

“This is one of four Grands Prix that were part of the 1950 championship and still features in the calendar and along with the British Grand Prix, it is the only one to have been held every year since then.

“History, speed and passion are words that motorsport fans associate with Monza. The feeling one gets at this Grand Prix is truly unique, as is the circuit’s distinctive podium.

“I would like to thank the ACI, especially its President, Angelo Sticchi Damiani for its efforts and this five year deal means that another part of the jigsaw for the Formula 1 of the future, is now in place.”

This year’s Italian Grand Prix weekend starts with Practice 1 tomorrow at 1900 AEST.