GP Masters cancels Italy race
The 2006 GP Masters of Italy has been under threat after a recent court ruled noise pollution levels at the historic circuit exceeded the legal limit and needed to be cut. Judge Marco Manunta has upheld a recent complaint by residents about noise pollution. A 30-day exemption has, however, been granted during the month of September thereby allowing the Formula One Grand Prix to take place on 10th September.
Monza has hosted every Italian Grand Prix (F1) since 1950 with the exception of 1980 when the race was moved to Imola.
Scott Poulter (CEO, GP Masters): "A very disappointing conclusion given the anticipation amongst GP Masters and Italian fans alike. With three Italian drivers now contesting our series and of course' tfosi' favorite Nigel Mansell, Monza was always the logical next stop for us following the season curtain raiser in Qatar last weekend but forces outside of our control have decided otherwise. It's a great shame but we are very confident indeed of securing a date in Italy for 2007. In the meantime, we offer our profuse apologies to the many fans, media and commercial partners who had expressed their commitment towards hosting our event at Monza this year. We will be back and an announcement on the GP Masters of Italy will be forthcoming from us very soon."
Enrico Ferrari (Autodromo Nazionale di Monza): "We too share the disappointment expressed by GP Masters as everyone associated with Autodromo Nazionale di Monza was looking forward to hosting this fantastic new series. We've exhausted every possible avenue in an effort to be granted special dispensation for the GP Masters of Italy on 18th June but the legislators were not open to this happening. We are in an on-going dialogue with Scott Poulter (CEO, GP Masters) and I am sure we'll find a way of showcasing next year the GP Masters series to the growing and excited fan base here in Italy."