The Italian Grand Prix is set to stay at Monza after Bernie Ecclestone said that a new three-year deal is to be signed.
Monza's future as the Italian Grand Prix host had been in doubt for more than a year, with some speculation that it could be replaced by the Imola circuit or that the historic Italian race could be dropped from the F1 calendar altogether.
However today at a news conference attended by Ecclestone, along with FIA president Jean Todt and ACI chief Angelo Sticchi Damiani, Ecclestone said that there was agreement for a three-year deal to secure the Italian Grand Prix's future at Monza until at least 2019.
Ecclestone however said that the final signing of the contract would not take place today.
"Regretfully legally we can't sign it here – but more important is that we have an agreement thanks to our lawyers and we are getting all the small details sorted," said Ecclestone.
"There is no problem in having the race here. The contract will be for three years but I hope we are here for 100 years."
The news today was welcomed by Sebastian Vettel. "That's fantastic news. Obviously we all love this track" said the Ferrari driver.
"Ignoring that [I drive for Ferrari] for a second, it's a fantastic track. it's a fantastic atmosphere, we need this track in the calendar and therefore that's excellent news.
"I don't know how much tracks are paying these days but…even with a bad deal for whoever is cashing in, Monza has to stay in the calendar. It means more than just cash. It means history, tradition, racing, enthusiasm, Ferrari – so there's a lot of reasons why we should come here."
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