Ecclestone doubts Monza will stay

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that the Italian Grand Prix will need a new home as current hosts Monza continue to refuse the terms of a new deal.

The North Italy track is currently contracted through to 2016, and talks over an extension have been ongoing for two-and-a-half years.

Imola, who used to host the San Marino Grand Prix, has said that it could step in and become the new home of one of F1’s oldest ever races.

Asked by AUTOSPORT if Monza was not going to sign, Ecclestone said: "At the moment I'd probably say yes, based on the fact they don't want to pay.

"They had a very good deal which went back years before and they'd like to continue, but maybe it doesn't suit certain people.

"Maybe something they've enjoyed in the past they won't be enjoying [in the future]."

Ecclestone played down talk that Monza is being asked to pay above the going rate, and claimed that it would be the same deal as all current European venues have

"This has been going on for two-and-a-half-years, and it's up to them to make up their mind.  The bottom line is we've got something to sell and they have to decide whether they want to buy it.

"The price we are asking for is the same as the other people in Europe are paying. It shouldn't be a drama, but they haven't been able to make it work, probably for lots of reasons."

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