Ecclestone Suggests Imola Could Go Next Year

Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that last Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix could be the Formula One circus' final visit to the famous Imola circuit.

The history-steeped track, which is now in-detachably linked to the death of Grand Prix legend Ayrton Senna in the 1994 race, has come under threat from new high-tech facilities in Bahrain and China.

The Italian circuit is rumoured to be one of two tracks forced to make way for the new venues next year and Ecclestone admitted: "We are having a look (at Imola). We have got to make room (next year) so we shall have to see."

The organisers of the Austrian Grand Prix, which takes place after next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, have already been told their event will be dropped from the calendar in 2004.

Imola is also under threat due to additional concerns over racing in Italy because of the country's legal system, which has seen team bosses Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head facing manslaughter charges following Senna's death.

Only 82,500 spectators visited the track during the three-day weekend, with only 8,500 making the effort to watch Friday qualifying â€" a drop of 20 percent compared to last year.