14 Jan 2011

Rome's hopes of F1 grand prix all but over

12:10 pm on 14 January 2011

Rome's hopes of holding a Formula One race through its streets from 2013 look Thursday unless organisers can persuade the sport's ruling body to alternate the race with Monza's Italian Grand Prix.

F1's boss Bernie Ecclestone has told Rome authorities that two races in the same country per year is not possible.

Project chief Maurizio Flammini, who dreamt up the idea of racing through Rome's EUR district, has not given up hope.

However, angry Monza officials have said they will do everything to prevent a Rome race.