With Monza reportedly struggling to raise the money to extend its contract to host the Italian Grand Prix beyond 2016, it has emerged that Imola could make its return to the F1 calendar.

The Gazzetta Dello Sport has reported that the Imola circuit, which hosted the San Marino Grand Prix from 1981 to 2006, could alternate with Monza as the home of the Italian Grand Prix. The two circuits have alternated the race once before, with Imola hosting the race on a one-off basis in 1980.

There has been considerable outcry in Italy at the prospect of the country losing its place on F1’s calendar, with many commentators and the circuit bosses themselves pointing the finger squarely at the increased fees demanded by Formula One Management to stage the event.