Monaco GP could be scrapped
07/22/10 (GMM) The Automobile Club de Monaco has confirmed it is in "negotiations" with Bernie Ecclestone. The F1 chief executive said recently that formula one could "do without Monaco", moving former driver Patrick Tambay to surmise that it is a strategy to have the famous race's fees "revised upwards".
The Club reacted on Thursday by saying it is reluctant to comment on the reports because it is unaware of their "context".
"The reality is simple," a statement issued only in French added. "Negotiations are underway between l'Automobile Club de Monaco and Formula One Management."
The Club added that it will make an announcement if an agreement is reached.
It is believed Monaco pays little or no fees for the rights to host its annual race in the Principality.
07/18/10 (GMM) According to Bernie Ecclestone, formula one could survive "without Monaco". With India making its debut next year and the US returning to the 2012 calendar, the F1 chief executive is also desperate to tap into the Russian market.
But he is believed to be confined to a new agreement with team bosses to cap the annual calendar at 20 races.
With eight of the 19 current races, F1's traditional heartland of Europe is the most represented on the schedule, but those venues pay the lowest promotional fees.
The Independent newspaper claims the average race fee is now $31.2m, but it is believed that historic Monaco pays nothing.
"The Europeans are going to have to pay more money or we will have to go somewhere else," said Briton Ecclestone, 79.
"We can do without Monaco," he added, admitting that axing the famous street venue is not likely but "they don't pay enough".
In 2007, Ecclestone admitted that Monaco is the best grand prix of the year. "Monaco always comes close to the top, doesn't it, because it is Monaco," he said then.