graywolf624
11-21-2005, 12:08 AM
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/051117/23/eztc.html
Officials from Monza have confirmed that the Italian Grand Prix could be under threat unless a court ruling ordering noise levels be reduced is overturned.
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The ruling comes four years after residents from the nearby town of Biassono filed a complaint about noise from the circuit with judge Marco Manunta placing a ban on motorsport activities at the famous venue unless the vehicles involved are fitted with a silencing system to reduce noise levels.
With the judge quoted by the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport as referring to motorsport as a 'superfluous, dangerous and socially useless activity that had a major impact on the environment', it raises serious questions over the future of Monza as an F1 venue with circuit director Enrico Ferrari admitting to the daily newspaper that the ruling would prevent the circuit from hosting one of the oldest Grand Prix on the calendar.
"At this moment in time we would not be able to host F1," he said. "[But] there is plenty of time to prepare for counter action. Otherwise we will be forced to close Monza."
The circuit is co-owned by the municipalities of Monza and the nearby city of Milan, and Milan deputy mayor Riccardo de Corato said it was vital that a compromise is reached to allow the race to take place on 10 September.
"It is right to protect the environment," he said, "but it is also right that we should avoid excesses that might wipe out important traditions."
The court ruling could also have a serious impact on a number of other events which take place at the famous Italian venue, with an appeal set to be launched to overturn the decision.
Officials from Monza have confirmed that the Italian Grand Prix could be under threat unless a court ruling ordering noise levels be reduced is overturned.
Advertisement
The ruling comes four years after residents from the nearby town of Biassono filed a complaint about noise from the circuit with judge Marco Manunta placing a ban on motorsport activities at the famous venue unless the vehicles involved are fitted with a silencing system to reduce noise levels.
With the judge quoted by the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport as referring to motorsport as a 'superfluous, dangerous and socially useless activity that had a major impact on the environment', it raises serious questions over the future of Monza as an F1 venue with circuit director Enrico Ferrari admitting to the daily newspaper that the ruling would prevent the circuit from hosting one of the oldest Grand Prix on the calendar.
"At this moment in time we would not be able to host F1," he said. "[But] there is plenty of time to prepare for counter action. Otherwise we will be forced to close Monza."
The circuit is co-owned by the municipalities of Monza and the nearby city of Milan, and Milan deputy mayor Riccardo de Corato said it was vital that a compromise is reached to allow the race to take place on 10 September.
"It is right to protect the environment," he said, "but it is also right that we should avoid excesses that might wipe out important traditions."
The court ruling could also have a serious impact on a number of other events which take place at the famous Italian venue, with an appeal set to be launched to overturn the decision.