Jul.21 (GMM) Patrick Tambay has taken issue with Bernie Ecclestone's claim that formula one can "do without Monaco".

The F1 chief executive said recently that because of a growing list of potential race hosts but the schedule capped at 20 grands prix, "the Europeans are going to have to pay more money".

"We can do without Monaco," he insisted, adding that organisers of the famous street race in the Principality "don't pay enough".

But Tambay, a winner of 2 grands prix in the 70s and 80s, told French radio RMC that Monte Carlo "would be a huge loss" to F1.

"It is the highlight of the season and the grand prix with which partners and sponsors from around the world want to be involved," insisted the 61-year-old former McLaren, Ferrari and Renault driver.

"There are things that probably need to be put straight," continued Tambay.

"There are plenty of candidates who want to organise new grands prix, while the others pay fees that may need to be revised upwards.

"All of this is a matter of negotiations that Bernie Ecclestone is currently conducting with the Automobile Club de Monaco," he added.

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version