Work to renovate Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari at Imola began this week, despite the Italian circuit losing hosting rights for the traditional San Marino Grand Prix in 2007.

“(Bernie) Ecclestone has guaranteed to me that once the works are finished, F1 will return in 2008,” the north-central Italian town’s Mayor, Massimo Marchignoli, told sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The first work on Sunday was to destroy the ageing media box and paddock with explosives, with the total overhaul reported to be costing $13m. Construction is scheduled to be completed in April.

Work is now also underway at Spa Francorchamps, as the popular Belgian venue returns to the F1 calendar after an absence.

[GMM]