F1 deal could be sealed at Imola

(GMM) The enduring row about F1's future is nearing an end, with speculation at Imola adamant that a deal with rogue carmakers is now on the verge of being formalized.

Following a meeting between the carmakers' 'GPMA' group and F1 owner CVC at the circuit, and then a GPMA-only meeting on Friday evening, media sources report that an announcement could be made before Sunday's race.

Renault principal Flavio Briatore indicated to Reuters that the French manufacturer is ready to commit, adding that he was 'sure' a deal was 'close'.

The uncertainty stretches back months and years, with carmakers holding out against signing a new commercial deal for post-2007 and threatening to race in their own rival championship.

But most issues have now – it seems – been resolved, with any lingering debate thought to hinge on just a few million euros.

Briatore insisted: ''It makes no sense to lose (more) time.''