F1: 20 Race Calendar In 2013 Includes Rome

Formula 1

F1: 20 Race Calendar In 2013 Includes Rome

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has announced that Rome will join a 20 race calendar in 2013...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted March 09, 2010 GMM Newswire

Monza appears set to host an upcoming test of the new Pirelli tires. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The addition of a Grand Prix in nearby Rome has Monza concerned that it could lose its event. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The 2013 F1 calendar will feature a Grand Prix in Rome for the first time along with 19 other races Bernie Ecclestone has announced.

It has long been the ambition of the sport's chief executive to extend the annual schedule to 20 races, while it was already known that the Briton had approved a future street race in the Italian capital.

"Rome will come onto the calendar in 2013. We will have 20 races and the teams will be happy with it," the 79-year-old is quoted as saying by the German-language Speedweek.

Previously, it had been expected that the inauguration of a race in Rome would not be to the detriment of Monza's historic Italian Grand Prix.

But Letizia Moratti, mayor of the nearby Milan, is now worried that Monza could lose its race at the famous Autodromo Nazionale.

"I think competition between cities is right, but it is equally correct to respect their traditions," she is quoted as saying by the Ansa news agency.

Tunnelheads, Pick Your Starters! Win Weekly! Win Monthly! Win The Championship!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SPEED Staff / GMM

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

F1: Valencia Wants Lower Fee For F1 Return
Valencia hopes to annually alternate a spot on the Formula One calendar…
F1: Hulkenberg Leaves Door Open For Ferrari Future
Nico Hulkenberg is attracted by the idea of a future move to Ferrari...…
F1: Whitmarsh Denies Honda Factor In Lowe Release
Martin Whitmarsh says Paddy Lowe's early exit wasn't tied to the…