Chinese firms eye stake in Rome's first Grand Prix

Rome: Chinese firms are interested in investing in Rome's first Formula One Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in 2012-13, according to the company involved in organising the race.

"Chinese tourism officials have signalled they are eager to invest in the Rome Grand Prix, which has the potential to be an event with great international appeal," said Eur SpA in a statement.

The company promotes cultural and sporting events in Rome's southwestern suburb of Eur, where it plans to hold the Grand Prix.

The Chinese officials expressed their enthusiasm about the Rome GP during recent meetings with top Eur SpA executives, including its president Pierluigi Borghini and chief executive officer Riccardo Mancini, the company said.