Ecclestone: Monaco GP Will Never be Dropped

Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone says that the Monaco Grand Prix will never be dropped from the Formula One World Championship despite the apparent dangers of the street circuit.

Briton Jenson Button's heavy crash in practice for last weekend's event highlighted the dangers of the barrier-lined circuit and World Champion Michael Schumacher admitted the circuit is more dangerous than most.

Ecclestone, who dropped the Belgian Grand Prix this season and is expected to drop the Austrian Grand Prix next year, could be looking to remove more events from the calendar if new venues continue to offer alternatives.

Bahrain and Shanghai have both been given a place on next year's calendar but Ecclestone promised: "We are Monaco and Monaco is us. We will never leave here. Never. I wouldn't say that about any other venues around thee world but about Monaco yes. Absolutely."

Last Sunday's event was the 61st Monaco Grand Prix, the 50th event around the tiny principality since the Formula One World Championship was inaugurated in 1950.

Some believe the modern corporate world of Formula One has now overstayed its welcome but Ecclestone told the Daily Mail: "It is the perfect marriage and it works well for both people."