Ecclestone says Rome GP possible in 2013

(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has told the mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, that a grand prix through the streets of the Italian capital may be possible in 2013.

Despite speculation that organizers were targeting an inaugural event for 2011 or 2012, the F1 chief executive wrote in a letter that years of preparation may be necessary, according to the Spanish news agency EFE.

However, the 78-year-old billionaire affirmed to Alemanno that Rome is among the "most important" candidates for a grand prix, but pointed out the "difficulties in organizing an urban" event and the need for a "long period of organization".

Ecclestone's letter was in response to correspondence last week from the Roman mayor, and the diminutive Briton pointed out that he is already in contact with the prospective promoter of the race, Maurizio Flammini.

"I am working with Maurizio Flammini and I have told him that, if certain conditions are respected, there could be a Rome race in 2013," Ecclestone is quoted by the Spanish news agency as saying.