Italy's motorsport boss insists Monza can still put together a deal to save its future as Italian Grand Prix host, with the national government set to get involved in discussions.
Monza's deal as Italian Grand Prix host ends next year but talks about a future beyond 2016 have repeatedly stalled. F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has said on several occasions the event could drop off the calendar, with a return to Imola mooted as one possible alternative earlier this year.
In Belgium, Ecclestone was quoted as saying: "I don't know about Monza at the moment. I have got meetings there in September, so we will see. I hope we don't lose it, but I think there is a good chance we will."
Speaking this week, Sticchi Damiani, the head of the Italian motorsport federation, the ACI, said he remains optimistic a deal can be sorted out.
"Monza must overcome the situation that we all know well," Damiani said at a press conference in Milan on Tuesday. "I think with a bit of optimism, there are opportunities for this to happen. Bernie is sensitive to the history of Monza, but F1 is expensive and we have to be able to meet the commitments."
Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi is expected to attend this weekend's race at Monza and join discussions with Ecclestone about the circuit's future. With local government figures also involved, Damiani says it is crucial all the relevant parties work towards the same goal to assure Monza remains on the calendar beyond 2016.
"The important thing is that we all work together: knowing that there is interest from all levels of the government - from the [national] government to that of the Lombardy Region, which has demonstrated that in practical terms. And let's not forget the towns of Milan and Monza. Now the good intentions must be translated into concrete action."