Rome's Formula One hopes fade

Rome's hopes of holding a Formula One race from 2013 through the streets of its EUR district in the south of the city have suffered a substantial setback as the head of F1 Bernie Ecclestone told authorities that it won't be possible to hold two separate races per year in one country. However Maurizio Flammini, project manager for the Rome race and the person responsible for the original idea, has not given up and is continuing to lobby the sport's ruling council.

Although Ecclestone has not specifically rejected Rome, in light of his one-country-one-race ultimatum it is highly unlikely that Rome would be chosen over the historic Grand Prix at Monza. One option is that the Rome race could be alternated every second year with Monza, something that Monza officials stongly oppose. Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali has echoed the stance taken by Ecclestone, adding that there are now 20 major races held worldwide every year.

The mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno has always stated that if it comes down to a choice between Rome and Monza, Rome would bow out. After a final submission to the Formula One governing body, the Rome