Formula 1 ace to open hotel in Split on Adriatic coast

Formula 1 star Jarno Trulli plans to open the first in a chain of luxury hotels on the Croatian Adriatic coast bearing his name.

The Italian racing driver, part of Toyota, has visited the south-western coastal town of Split to hold talks with local authorities over sites for the luxury hotel.

He has also reportedly begun negotiations with three local landowners for the purchase of an 8,000sq m parcel of land in Split.

Trulli's business advisors have told the local media that the hotel could be the start of a chain bearing his name.

The driver apparently decided on Split after discovering more about its 1,700 year-old history and its importance in the Roman Empire.

Roman Emperor Diocletian had a palace built there, the remains of which still stand.

"I'm here because this town has perspective," Trulli said.

By Jim Glenn

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