In an exclusive interview for CNN Sport, former Ferrari boss and current Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali opened up about the calendar for the 2022 season, with a major schedule change for the Monaco Grand Prix, which will be shortened to the conventional three day format.
“Monaco will be in three days, straight away,” Stefano Domenicali explained, in the interview for Amanda Davies – “So Friday, Saturday and Sunday instead of Thursday, hold, and then Saturday and Sunday. That’s the change we’re going to introduce next year,” the former Ferrari boss added.
Monaco’s unique tradition of a four-day schedule has added to its aura as one of the flagship races on the Formula 1 calendar, complementing the narrow street-circuit’s glamorous reputation and scenic setting, as well as the Grand Prix’s prestigious history. Initially in place to observe the Christian holiday of Ascension Day, a bank holiday in the principality, the free day in the Grand Prix program for Friday has traditionally been used for many off-track activities and parties — a special opportunity amplified by a typically bustling celebrity presence.
Stefano Domenicali’s revelation regarding Monaco is set to be one of the central discussion points in relation to calendar for the 2022 Formula One season, a calendar that the CEO confirmed will be officially presented at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris next month.
Stefano Domenicali, who took over from former F1 CEO Chase Carey ahead of the current season, confirmed that the plan was to have 23 races next year, assuring that France was among the hosts — yet he did not confirm reports suggesting South Africa is to return to the schedule via the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
“We received interest from Kyalami to be back in the calendar,” the former Ferrari boss said – “Of course, we have discussed with them in order to see if they are ready from the technical perspective, the financial perspective, to be inserted in the calendar, so discussions are there.
“We have received other requests from other countries in Africa … in this moment, I need to keep it confidential,” Stefano Domenicali concluded.
Leave a Reply