The Italian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar at Monza until at least 2024 after the circuit agreed a new contract with the sport’s owners.
Ahead of this weekend’s race at the Temple of Speed, F1 announced it’s signed a contract extension with the Automobile Club d’Italia.
In a statement confirming the deal, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1 Chase Carey said: “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. 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. The championship features many historic venues such as Monza and also new countries in which the already vast fan-base of our sport can grow. For now, we can look forward to what is bound to be another great race this weekend, as we prepare for the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO HEINEKEN D’ITALIA 2020 and in the years to come.”
President of the Automobile Club d’Italia Angelo Sticchi added: “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! 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. It was a challenging journey to get to this outcome and is one of those race victories that makes us forget every risk, every effort, and leaves inside a great joy and an uncontrollable desire to celebrate.”
This year sees the 90th edition of the Italian Grand Prix, which has been on the F1 calendar every year since 1950, and has only once been held at a different track.