Ecclestone Monza threats are old tactic says Montezemolo

Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has weighed into the uncertainty surrounding Monza's future on the Formula 1 calendar.

The issue will be front and centre this weekend, as Bernie Ecclestone pushes defiantly for more money from Italian grand prix chiefs, who are backed in their mission by the prime minister Matteo Renzi.

2015 will be the first Italian grand prix in decades not attended by Montezemolo as a Ferrari luminary, but he says that uncertainty about Monza's future is definitely not new.

"The threats to the grand prix at Monza are like Panettone at Christmas - it's tradition," he is quoted by La Repubblica. "Whenever it is up for renewal, Bernie says it will go. But it's not true."

"Of course, everyone has to do his part, as nice things cost money and you can't think about not paying for them. But, with all due respect to Baku, I think not racing is Germany was already depressing enough," he added.