Does Italy wish to maintain its two System 1 Grands Prix? Whereas 2025 just isn’t in query, with Monza and Imola included within the calendar, the long run appears much less sure. The query arises as a result of the Emergency Decree, at present beneath parliamentary evaluate, goals to dismiss ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani by extending time period limits to public entities which might be additionally sports activities federations, such because the ACI, which represents Italy’s ASN to the FIA.
The Emergency Decree, beneath dialogue within the Finances and Atmosphere Committees, proposes making this rule retroactive to oust Sticchi Damiani, at present in his fourth time period, regardless of the restrict being three phrases.
On February 12, the ACI Meeting must name for brand spanking new presidential elections, with 45 days to submit candidacies. This measure has alarmed each Liberty Media, promoter of F1, and the FIA, the Worldwide Federation.
Stefano Domenicali, F1’s President and CEO, wrote a letter to 3 members of the Meloni Authorities (Matteo Salvini, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure; Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economic system and Finance; and Andrea Abodi, Minister of Sports activities) in search of assurances concerning the commitments made by Sticchi Damiani, “…who has at all times put his face to it.”
The priority is {that a} administration change might delay the work Monza has signed and funded. Whereas awaiting a newly elected president, Sticchi Damiani would solely be licensed to deal with routine administration. Domenicali’s considerations are legitimate: “I would like ensures that Monza’s work may be accomplished on time, respecting the contract clauses,” he advised Motorsport.com.
The six-year renewal of Monza was signed on November 27, a month after Sticchi Damiani’s affirmation, highlighting that the Apulian govt ensures not simply monetary points but in addition organizational capabilities.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, has additionally acted, writing on to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in current days to emphasise the necessity to protect the autonomy of sports activities from politics.
The worldwide motorsport management has taken motion, and now they await responses from Italian politics. Legally, Sticchi Damiani, who would possibly problem his elimination, appears to have a great probability of prevailing, however solely after a prolonged authorized battle. What’s going to occur within the meantime with ACI’s administration (particularly contemplating that from this yr the entity is burdened by a €50 million levy payable to the Treasury beneath Article 116 of the 2025 Finances Legislation) and the 2 GPs?
Considerations additionally lengthen to the WRC: whereas this yr’s Rally Italia Sardegna just isn’t in query, a brand new settlement for the long run will have to be negotiated. Who will finalize the contract? Briefly, politics should present swift solutions. Opposition events have proposed an modification to defend Sticchi Damiani’s place, however they lack the numbers to vary the state of affairs. Will the difficulty find yourself in Giorgia Meloni’s fingers?
In the meantime, who would possibly succeed Sticchi Damiani? Three vice presidents are being thought of: Giuseppina Fusco (AC Roma), Piergiorgio Re (AC Torino), and Ruggero Campi (AC Perugia). One other doable candidate is Geronimo La Russa (AC Milano), who’s well-acquainted with the Monza state of affairs.
As a sports activities federation, the ACI should keep away from coming into a part of battle that would result in chaos if paralysis happens. F1 has many international locations keen to affix the calendar; it could be paradoxical for Italy to be compelled out of the circus on account of inside disputes. Can a shared answer be discovered?
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