Imola boss fears deadline won't be met

The Imola race was not included on the 17-event calendar released by the FIA last month. However, there was a gap of nearly a month between Bahrain on April 15 and Spain on May 13 where Imola would normally fit.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has demanded a revamp of the track as a condition to keep the race next season.

The Italian government confirmed last week the works would start in October and finish around March, in time for the race.

But Bendinelli, president of Sagis, is not so sure.

"I'm doubtful that the works, which start in October, can be finished in time to be homologated in March," Bendinelli told Autosprint magazine.

"It's something we have no control upon: everything is in the hands of the Town of Imola and the Ministry of Public Works. They approved the project and agreed the contracts; they will check deadlines and execution of the works.

"I proposed to Ecclestone to move the Grand Prix to September, but he was rigorous. The only available date remains in April, but considering the weather conditions in winter, the deadlines are tough.

"Even if we limited ourselves to the works concerning only the track itself, without building the access roads, the available time is little."

Massimo Marchignoli, the mayor of Imola, said Sagis would be to blame if Imola lost the race.

"If Imola loses the GP, the fault will all be Sagis's," he said.