Bernie Ecclestone wants the Italian Grand Prix to stay on the F1 calendar and has confirmed Imola could host the race from 2017 onwards if Monza's deal is not extended.
Monza currently has a contract in place until next year's Italian Grand Prix, the only race to have featured on every F1 calendar since 1950, but its future has been in doubt without an extension in place. In April Ecclestone said he had no concerns about the race dropping off the calendar completely, though he appears to have changed that view.
"I want Italy to stay on the calendar at all costs," Ecclestone told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Imola, which hosted the San Marino Grand Prix between 1981 and 2006 and the only non-Monza Italian GP in 1980, has been a rumoured contender and Ecclestone confirmed discussions with circuit chiefs have taken place.
"But while I met with Imola, I've heard nothing from Monza for a month. The desire to save the Italian Grand Prix is there, but they [Monza] don't have the money. The people I spoke with did not even ask for more time to decide."
Ecclestone is open to an alternating deal similar to the one which saw Hockenheim and Nurburgring swap German Grand Prix hosting duties until the race was cancelled earlier this year.
"Imola is proposing to alternate with Monza. It could be done. I want to ensure Italy stays on the calendar. It was Enzo Ferrari who suggested we have a race close to Bologna, so it's nice to talk about it again. There are good intentions and good foundations."