Rome GP bid not a threat to Monza

The Italian capital's deputy mayor said earlier this week that the local government was considering a proposal for a street race in near future.

Gelpi, however, has made it clear the Italian Grand Prix at Monza was not at risk.

"I've read several worried reactions, so I'd like to point out that the Italian GP stays at Monza, which remains a patrimony not just for our country, but for motor racing in the world," Gelpi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Maurizio Flammini, who is trying to organize the event, has shown me his project last summer already, also because, without the approval of the national automobile club, the proposal can't reach the FIA.

"Such an event would make a big impact as a show, but it was Flammini himself stressing that a F1 GP in Rome must absolutely not interfere with the one in Monza.

"It's a completely different thing compared to Monza. I think there's a bigger will now to do something strange and spectacular [compared to 1984 - year of the previous Rome GP proposal]. And besides, it's a challenge: it would mean managing to organize something unimaginable."

Gelpi admitted a date for the event had not been discussed, although it is believed the city is aiming for a 2011 start.

"It hasn't been discussed yet, but obviously it would have to avoid interfering with Monza, which is held in September. A GP in Rome in the spring would be plausible."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said it would be unthinkable to have another race in Italy unless it was just a one-off.

"A new Italian GP would be unthinkable, since we already have many underused circuits," said di Montezemolo. "But if it is a special race - they talked about the EUR area in Rome where, unlike in Valencia and Singapore, you can overtake - then it can be discussed."