Government assures funds for work on Imola track (ANSA) - Rome, September 20 - The Italian government on Wednesday gave support to Imola's hopes to continue to host the Formula 1 San Marino Grand Prix by confirming funds to allow necessary work on the track to begin October 4 .

The arrival of the funds was confirmed at a meeting at the premier's office which saw the participation of Cabinet Secretary Enrico Letta, Minister for Sport Giovanna Melandri, Emilia Romagna Region President Vasco Errani, Imola Mayor Massimo Marchignoli, Italian Automobile Club President Franco Lucchesi and national civil protection chief Guido Bertolaso .

Although it is one of Formula 1's oldest races, the San Marino Grand Prix was initially dropped from next season's schedule because progress had not been made on plans to modernise the track and improve safety .


However, its traditional slot in April was left open and earlier this week FIA announced that next year there would again be 18 races, as opposed to the 17 listed in the schedule released last month .

Earlier this month, Mayor Marchignoli said he had spoken with Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone who told him that the race could be staged "if there are all the necessary economic guarantees" from the company which operates track .

According to the Imola mayor, Ecclestone said he was also in contact with the Italian government to resolve these problems .

The Enzo and Dino Ferrari track in Imola has hosted the San Marino Grand Prix for the past 26 years .

The race had been canceled despite the fact the contract to host the event had been extended through 2009 in April of last year .

Work to revamp the historic track has been slowed down by financing problems, in part linked with the change of government in Rome which delayed funding .

The future of the San Marino Grand Prix originally came into doubt in early 2004 when Ecclestone told an Italian sports daily that the 2004 race at Imola would be the last .

He later backtracked, after speaking with local and national Italian government officials, and the contract was extended in exchange for a commitment to make changes to the track imposed by the international racing federation FIA .

Aside from the track changes, Ecclestone was said to have also asked for more money from race organizers in order to stage the Grand Prix .