As Motorsport.com revealed earlier this week, Imola chiefs met with Ecclestone for talks about putting together a deal that could result in the track getting an F1 race back as early as 2017.

One idea being talked about is for Imola to alternate the race with Monza, which would help ease the financial demands on both tracks to secure short-term funds.

Monza's current contract runs out after next year's race, and should Imola be able to step in to the breach, then it would not need to find extra funding to host the race until 2018.

Ecclestone pushing for Italy

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ecclestone made it clear that despite his frustrations with Monza, he was eager for Italy to keep its race.

"I want Italy to stay on the calendar at all costs," he said. "But while I met with Imola, I've heard nothing from Monza for a month.

"The desire to save the Italian Grand Prix is there, but they (Monza) don't have the money.

"The people I spoke with (during meetings at the Monaco Grand Prix) did not even ask for more time to decide."

He added: "Imola is proposing to alternate with Monza. We could do that. I want to ensure Italy stays on the calendar.

"It was Enzo Ferrari who suggested we have a race close to Bologna, so it's nice to talk about it again. There are good intentions and good foundations."