Nico Rosberg has revealed Prince Albert of Monaco is straight concerned in talks to maintain a grand prix on the streets of Monte Carlo.
The Monaco Grand Prix’s future has come into doubt, with the race’s contract having expired and no new deal introduced thus far.
There are studies the Principality’s place on the calendar may very well be beneath menace with new races, comparable to Qatar and Las Vegas, turning into everlasting additions from 2023 and South Africa additionally ready within the wings.
Method 1 supremo Stefano Domenicali has successfully acknowledged there might be 24 races on subsequent season’s schedule, though the cancellation of the grand prix previously staged at Sochi permits some leeway.
China’s return from its Covid-enforced absence since 2019 has but to be confirmed, whereas the French, Belgian and Monaco GPs are these regarded as most in danger from the 2022 calendar.
Monaco has, after all, lengthy been thought to be the jewel within the crown and the F1 drivers are longing for it to proceed, however sure features of the race weekend, not least the circuit itself, are thought of to be previous their sell-by date by the followers.
Nonetheless, discussions are ongoing a few contract renewal and Rosberg, who lives in Monaco, says Prince Albert himself is enjoying a outstanding function.
Stories point out the negotiations between Liberty Media and the Car Membership de Monaco should not probably the most simple as a result of the hosts have had management of sponsorship and TV protection, and are additionally against proposed circuit modifications that may probably improve overtaking alternatives.
“The prince even intervenes in these talks himself, as a result of the Car Membership continues to take this difficult line,” mentioned Rosberg, quoted by Motorsport-Whole.com.
“You want a little bit of a mediator to convey individuals collectively now, i.e. Method 1 and the Car Membership.
“The Prince could be very concerned and I’m hopeful, as a result of Monaco has to remain on the calendar.
“That is racing historical past and it’s probably the most glamorous race of the yr, in order that has to go on.
“However Monaco additionally has to accommodate a bit. There are sponsors on the circuit who’re rivals to the Method 1 World Championship sponsors – watches and so forth. And that’s after all troublesome. So it’s important to discover a center floor.”
What can Monaco do to maintain itself related to trendy Method 1?
Whereas most followers, actually those that should not super-rich, couldn’t give two hoots about which luxurious watch model advertises at a race, there are some issues they care deeply about.
They need to see thrilling motion on a circuit conducive to offering that, the place vehicles can move each other simply, and sadly Monaco is a let-down in each of these areas.
A processional race is dangerous sufficient, however flawed protection of a processional race is even worse. If there are incidents you then need to see them, not miss them, and sadly the native TV director did that at occasions this yr.
Method 1’s world feed is superb and why Monaco really feel they need to present their very own protection as an alternative this present day is a thriller.
Concerning the circuit, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff prompt some modifications this yr however admitted he didn’t anticipate them to be acted upon.
Wolff really helpful, if possible, scrapping the Nouvelle Chicane to create an extended straight to ease overtaking, however then knocked down his personal concept by saying “then the Tabac curve could be too quick” and acknowledged he’s not a monitor designer.