Imola still hoping for a reprieve

The Italian track's hopes of hosting next year's race took a hit yesterday when the FIA approved an updated calendar without the San Marino Grand Prix.

The World Motor Sport Council said in a footnote that "it was noted that no agreement was in place for an 18th race and there will continue to be 17 races in the 2007 calendar."

Imola was hoping to win a reprieve after teams agreed last month to an 18th race and the Italian government confirmed that work would start on modernising the circuit, as required by Bernie Ecclestone.

Marchignoli has suggested the only stumbling block is money, and he reckons Imola can still make it to the final calendar.

"If they wanted to really have only 17 races then they wouldn't have added that footnote, which, on the contrary, is a message confirming that under certain conditions the GP can go ahead," Marchignoli told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's all tied to an increase of the economic conditions, which means we need to pay more."

Marchignoli added that the works required were on schedule.

"They have already been assigned and within days the building yard could be opened to respect the deadline set for the end of March," he added.