Thursday, September 21 2006 12:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: The San Marino Grand Prix at Imola receives a welcoming hand in its efforts to remain on the Formula One calendar when it confirms work will start next month on modernising the circuit with government help.

The Prime Minister's office says in a statement on Wednesday (20 Sep, 2006) that construction work would start on Oct 4.

Ferrari's home track receives a lifeline this week when the Formula One teams, manufacturers and the FIA agree to expand the 2007 calendar from 17 to 18 races.

Imola has initially been left off the calendar, which limited both Italy and Germany to just one race each.

"All participants repeated their willingness to work together so that the grand prix can be held on April 29, 2007 and in following years," the statement says after a meeting in Rome.

"The government confirms that the works to modernise and improve the safety of the circuit facilities will start on Oct. 4," it adds.

No race is currently scheduled for April 29, with a gap between the third round of the season in Bahrain on April 15 and Spain on May 13.

Sports Minister Giovanna Melandri attended the meeting with the president of the Emilia Romagna region Vasco Errani, Imola mayor Massimo Marchignoli, Automobile Club president Franco Lucchesi and civil protection agency head Guido Bertolaso