Italian PM invited to fight for Monza

The Italian prime minister could add more muscle to Monza’s fight to retain its historic formula one race.

With Bernie Ecclestone and race organisers at a stalemate in their negotiations for a new contract, it has emerged that the local Confidustria (industry group) and the Lombardy region are campaigning for Monza.

And now Giovanni Malago, the Italian olympic chief, says he will do what he can when he plans to attend this year’s grand prix at the fabled Autodromo Nazionale.

"Ferrari is Italy," he is quoted by Tuttosport, "as even in moments of tension that has been respected by all.

"I will go (to Monza), as a demonstration of what I think is sacred and necessary to support the continuation of F1 at Monza, and also I officially invite the prime minister (Matteo) Renzi," Malago declared.