Bernie wants ‘more money’ from Imola

(GMM) Imola's struggle to retain its San Marino grand prix may be about more than mere circuit revisions, according to reports in Italy.

'ANSA' claims that, in a conversation with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, local mayor Massimo Marchignoli was told that the race could be staged in 2007 only 'if there are all the necessary economic guarantees'.

At a meeting of key figures on Wednesday, the Italian government confirmed that track improvements will begin at the start of next month.

But ANSA, the leading Italian newswire, wrote that 75-year-old 'Ecclestone was said to have also asked for more money from race organizers'.