Italian GP in jeopardy as ticket sales fall?

Formula One is facing another difficult challenge in keeping one of the more iconic venues on the calendar in years to come. Falling ticket sales for the Italian Grand Prix has prompted more questions over the future of the event, after several rumours last season that it could well be taken off of the calendar in the near future.

The president of the Automobile Club d'Italia Angelo Sticchi Damiani, explained that the future of the Italian Grand Prix would depend on a reduced hosting fee that the circuit pays to Liberty Media.

"We closed last year's race with a strong loss, and the 2018 budget will not be different either," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It is clear that such a situation is not sustainable in the long term. The ACI is ready to do its part, but not under any conditions.

"(Chase) Carey has always told me that an F1 without Monza is unthinkable, and in four years it will celebrate its centenary. We agree on that, but we must also deal in facts."

Suggestions that Imola could make a return to the Formula One calendar have been whispered behind the scenes in the last few years whenever the Italian Grand Prix rolls around but such a solution is far from agreed upon.

The Italian also added that he was hoping for Ferrari glory unlike last season in which the Scuderia seemingly imploded from their home event until the end of the season.

"A year ago Vettel had gone on holiday as the world (championship) leader, now he is in the role of pursuer.

"My wish is the exact opposite of what happened a year ago, when from Monza onwards Mercedes took off."