Monza, home of the Italian Grand Prix, has proposed major changes to its circuit to celebrate its centenary in 2022, according to Italian media reports.
The circuit, which is known as 'The Temple of Speed' thanks to its long straights and fast corners which contribute to a lap time of just under 80 seconds, has submitted a proposal to remove one of its chicanes – likely to be the Variante della Roggia chicane – as well as reprofiling the second Lesmo to make the circuit even quicker.
Other changes include widening some parts of the track to bring it in line with the FIA's 12 metre stipulation, building new access roads to ease travel concerns, a new main grandstand and renovating much of the old banking which is no longer in use and in a poor state.
The circuit, which was inaugurated in 1922, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022, though it only has a deal with F1 to continue hosting the series through to 2020. A new contract is thought to be key to the revamp going ahead.
It will also require major local and regional government backing, with the redevelopment works estimated to cost around €100 million.
"The money will be found in some way", Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of ACI, told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The agreement [to host F1] expires in two years, we're seeking a long-term agreement that justifies such an investment."
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