upheld a recent complaint by residents about noise pollution. A 30-day exemption has, however, been granted during the month of September thereby allowing the Formula One Grand Prix to take place on 10th September. Monza has hosted every Italian Grand Prix (F1) since 1950 with the exception of 1980 when the race was moved to Imola.

Scott Poulter (CEO, GP Masters): “A very disappointing conclusion given the anticipation amongst GP Masters and Italian fans alike. With three Italian drivers now contesting our series and of course ’tfosi’ favourite Nigel Mansell, Monza was always the logical next stop for us following the season curtain raiser in Qatar last weekend but forces outside of our control have decided otherwise. It’s a great shame but we are very confident indeed of securing a date in Italy for 2007. In the meantime, we offer our profuse apologies to the many fans, media and commercial partners who had expressed their commitment towards hosting our event at Monza this year. We will be back and an announcement on the GP Masters of Italy will be forthcoming from us very soon.”

Enrico Ferrari (Autodromo Nazionale di Monza): “We too share the disappointment expressed by GP Masters as everyone associated with Autodromo Nazionale di Monza was looking forward to hosting this fantastic new series. We’ve exhausted every possible avenue in an effort to be granted special dispensation for the GP Masters of Italy on 18th June but the legislators were not open to this happening. We are in an on-going dialogue with Scott Poulter (CEO, GP Masters) and I am sure we’ll find a way of showcasing next year the GP Masters series to the growing and excited fan base here in Italy .”

Andrew Cranswick (Chief Editor, Grand Prix Masters Online.com): “Although we had known for some time the there was a potential issue the local court action we we’re confident that a resolution would be found and therefore surprised when I heard the news. However, though now that a decision has been made we must respect the decision of the court and that of the local people. Our attention should now be focused on 13 th August for the Grand Prix Masters UK race at Silverstone which is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend and Mansell mania will once more rule”

Although today’s announcement is not good news there has been a few rumors that Belgium ’s Spa circuit could be a possible venue later in the year. Rumors of the Spa event have been in circulation since the track was removed of the F1 calendar for 2006. Some rumors go as far to say that the race would be held around the date of the supposed F1 race on 17th September, filling the gap between the races of Silverstone and the final race at Kyalami. In the meantime we can only keep our fingers crossed and hope that the Grand Prix Masters series could race at Spa’s historic venue.