Rome still wants grand prix

Rome has not given up on trying to organise a grand prix in the city.

The Italian capital's hopes took a backwards step earlier this month when Bernie Ecclestone enthused about prospective new F1 venues in Korea, India and New York.

But when asked about Rome's desire for a street race in the EUR district, the sport's chief executive answered: "There are too many places wanting to have a race. We will see."

On Thursday, however, Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno told reporters he "would like to start the preparations for 2012, hopefully putting the event on during the summer months," according to the AP news agency.