Arnaud Péricard: “A real political will”

The file, obviously, was never buried...

No. Since then, I have continued to relaunch the project, with of course the support of the circuit and the local Var communities. However, it lacked the support of a large community, the PACA Region. When Christian Estrosi won the presidency (in December 2015. Editor's note), we went to present our file to him, in which he showed us real interest, and decided to put forward this candidacy. Subsequently, in June 2016, he mandated our small group, Eric (Boullier), Gilles (Dufaigneux) and me, to go further into the details. We therefore worked in total discretion to reach the agreements we have today.

Beyond the financial support of the Region, what made this project possible today when it was not possible yesterday?

Very strong political will, with resources. Being linked to a Region is a more important force than being linked to a department or a city. This desire of the PACA Region to develop the auto/motorcycle sport sector, linked to the development of a tourism sector, is an excellent idea.

Find our complete file on the return of the French Grand Prix F1 at Paul-Ricard, in issue 2092 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.