Bulgarian GP plans gather momentum

Plans are gathering pace for the inaugural Bulgarian Grand Prix to feature on the Formula One calendar, possibly as soon as 2012.

According to the head of the south east European country's motor racing federation, Bogdan Nikolov, a race contract could be signed as soon as next month.

The idea of a Bulgarian Grand Prix is nothing new, with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone having met with the country's economy minister for discussions at Monza last month.

If talks with a funding consortium reportedly comprising Arab, US and Canadian companies and the government go well, Ecclestone could travel to Sofia to sign the contract between November 15 and December 15.

"We have created a project that meets the requirements of both FIA and (MotoGP governing body) FIM," Nikolov told Sofia news agency Novinite.

Nikolov added that the circuit will bid to host both Formula One and MotoGP races.

It has also emerged that Rome's agreement about a city-based grand prix in 2012 or 2013 could lapse at the end of the year.

It was reported last month that organisers of the proposed event had signed a five-year contract with Bernie Ecclestone. But Italian media reports this week have revealed that the document signed at Monza last month was just a letter of intent.

"I will soon meet with Ecclestone to confirm the letter of intent that has been signed and never revoked," said Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno. "If someone thinks I want to make a mess of the EUR, they are making a big mistake.

"Rather, we want to enrich the city's image. Research shows that the majority of Rome residents, although not an overwhelming one, are in favour."

Source: ESPNF1