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Dell'Orto: SBK at Monza? In 2017 yes

Prior to his suspension, the no.1 at SIAS admits: "We underestimated timings"

Dell'Orto: SBK at Monza? In 2017 yes

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The first fuse was lit in Feburary, when the matter of the Formula 1 renewal created tension within SIAS, the body that manages the Monza circuit. Then the final straw came last week, with the resignation of board members Ivan Capelli and Enrico Radaelli and the subsequent request for the board members to meet with a view to suspending president and CEO Andrea Dell’Orto.

In order to clarify the situation, the SIAS boss held a press conference in the circuit's media room, confirming: “I have no intention of resigning”. The president highlights the figures relating to the current management, a significant improvement on previous figures.

Dell’Orto, you have underlined that you don't want to step down from your position. Why is this?

“Because the numbers, with respect to those of the previous management, prove me right. Despite having inherited a sinking ship, in 2015 we increased revenue by 5.1 million with respect to 2014, and furthermore turnover has exceeded 34.2 million euro. As a result, in January we predict a further 4% increase for this year, taking us to 35.6 million. I also want to underline that we have extended the number of events we offer and are one of five circuits experiencing growth .

How do you view the losses?

“The 2015 balance sheet closes with a loss of 1.6 million euro but, on the other hand, that is a significant improvement, equating to about 2 million, with respect to 2014 when it closed at -3.6 million. Unfortunately the exchange with the dollar, from which some of our income derives, in terms of ticket sales for example, has had its effect, worth about 1 million euro."

It seems that Bernie Ecclestone has said he doesn't trust this administration.

I don't think his issue is with me, just as I am surprised that my role is considered the problem. He probably referred to figures from the previous administration. If Ecclestone were to request a meeting, I'd be the first to accept”.

Where are you with the Formula 1 renewal?

Since September the matter has been solely in the hands of the ACI,  represented by Sticchi Damiani, who is currently negotiating with FOM. We have strived to provide our five million euro, now they must present the remaining 18-20.  Unfortunately we've had to face renewal costs that are significantly higher than those of previous years' contracts."

The Superbike has disappeared in fact.

It's true, despite the important agreement made with Dorna, timings presented a problem. I can assure you that it will happen in 2017”.

Yet the Italian authorities hold negative opinions about the planned track modifications.

At the end of year press conference, the Arts Authority laid out the steps to be taken and we want to start from there. Dorna and FIM reacted positively to our proposals, in order to have a modern and safe track."

Will there be a penalty to pay for the cancellation of the Monza SBK round?

“No, not at all”.

Rumour has it that Ecclestone's unhappiness has to do with the SBK modifications, in that they will mean further costs for the Circuit, also Hermann Tilke has not been involved in any way.

“I want to specify that Zaffelli won a tender, in which Tilke also took part. If Ecclestone wants to harbour ill feelings, that's another matter. Jarno is of course a person with excellent references”.

Are the regional authorities on your side?

“They are the only ones, up until now, to dedicate resources to the Circuit, to such an extent that we may be able to count on an additional commitment. For this reason, I am relaxed.”

Translated by Heather Watson
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