Imola gets extension.

The San Marino Grand Prix looks set to remain on the Formula One calendar for at least the next five years, following reports that an extension to its contract has been agreed with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.

The deal, which flies in the face of suggestions that Ecclestone may be poised to restrict countries to just a single grand prix, cements another event on the 2005 schedule, after Imola, along with Silverstone and Magny-Cours, was granted only a provisional slot in the calendar issued in October. The Italian venue had been thought likely for the axe after Ecclestone criticised its out-moded nature and cited the need to accommodate new circuits in Turkey, India and, possibly, Russia over the next few years.

The revelation that Imola could be under threat produced strong support for the facility, particularly from locals, other Italians - and Ferrari, in particular - and resulted in the re-opening of talks between Ecclestone and the circuit's management. According to the BBC, these negotiations concluded today [Monday], and resulted in a new contract extending Imola's stay on the schedule until the 2009 season.

The contract has seemingly been agreed despite Ecclestone's involvement in a court case that could determine whether he remains the man calling the shots in Formula One, with the three German banks sitting on a majority stake in the sport's holding company seeking legal action to give them a corresponding majority in the boardroom.

The length of the deal is also of interest, as an Ecclestone victory in London's High Court could also see the threatened GPWC breakaway series - which is due to start in 2008 - come a step closer to reality. Should that be the case, Imola would remain obliged to stage whatever event Ecclestone wanted to call the San Marino Grand Prix in both 2008 and 2009.

Imola's extension means that only the British and French grands prix remain provisional on the 2005 calendar, although the teams have agreed to a 19-race campaign should testing cuts be ratified. Both Silverstone and Magny-Cours are currently trying to reach agreement with Ecclestone's Formula One Management operation, with the final version of the schedule due for publication on 10 December.