Ecclestone coy over Monza’s F1 future

The saga over the future of historic Monza’s grand prix continues, with Bernie Ecclestone making conflicting comments regarding its chances.

After reports suggested talks between the Italians and the F1 supremo have broken down, Ecclestone told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I think it (the race) will continue.

"It is a fact that as men we are talking, although I don’t know why Federico Bendinelli went as he was a smart person and we understood each other.

"But in the end we will reach a favourable conclusion, I’m sure," the 85-year-old added.

However, Ecclestone has now told Britain’s Mail on Sunday newspaper that he is actually not so sure.

"Next year is the question mark," he said. "If it doesn’t happen we will have 20 races," he added, although he also revealed he is in talks with promoters of a potential second US grand prix in Las Vegas.

If Las Vegas comes in and Monza survives, the Briton played down the likelihood of the already stretched calendar being pushed out to 22 races.

"We have got 21 races now. It could go to more but I don’t think it will," said Ecclestone. "Some of the guys at the teams are shattered."