Racing at Monza under threat

The decision comes after a group of Monza residents filed a formal complaint in 2001 about the noises coming from the historic circuit, which hosts the Italian Grand Prix.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that, following the ruling, testing and racing without a suitable system to reduce the noise levels will be temporarily banned.

"We've learned of the verdict through the papers. As soon as we know the details we'll decide what to do," Giorgio Beghella Bartoli, technical director of the Monza autodrome, told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We've always respected the limits set by the law and we'll do so this time too. We'll decide with our lawyers based on what the law indicates," he added in reference to the Italian Grand Prix being under threat.

The Italian circuit is hosting the Monza Rally this weekend, but Beghella Bartoli sounded confident the event will go ahead as planned.

"At the moment I don't think we risk cancelation," he said. "If such a possibility should be about to occur, then we'll see with our lawyers whether we can appeal it or ask for a suspension."