GP France: Paul-Ricard gets back on track

While Magny-Cours was relieved of the organization of the French Grand Prix from Formula 1, France is looking for a new place to host the F1 field. After the Sarcelles and Marne la Vallée projects, that of Flins seemed best placed. But the hesitations of the government and the opposition of environmental movements have called into question the choice of Yvelines for hosting a circuit of this standing. Seeing such procrastination, Paul-Ricard places himself among the candidates, as confirmed by its owner, Gérard Neveu: “ The circuit is approved “Degree 1” by the FIA ​​and can therefore technically receive a GP. Furthermore, the public once again has access to the circuit and finally it seems that to date the possibility of doing a GP on Paul Ricard, considered one of the most beautiful circuits in Europe, is a realistic solution. »

Seeing the success achieved by the Var circuit during its recent improvements, Gérard Neveu believes that Paul-Ricard is entirely capable of hosting an F1 Grand Prix. The owner of the Provençal ring, however, lists the elements that can tip the scales in the right direction: “ One of the conditions is to have a circuit approved for F1 by the FIA. We have had this approval since 2006. However, it must be revalidated and renewed every three years. The FIA ​​has just renewed it following a technical visit by Charlie Whiting last week. This first condition is therefore met, which encourages us to move forward.
Another condition is that our close entourage, whether economic, political, media or even spectators and competitors, shows a certain and sustained interest in this project. At present, this entourage seems rather very supportive. We therefore need to make it a reality in order to have positive synergy.
The next condition is that we want to continue our work in an environmentally friendly manner. We have done a lot since the new era of the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit and even more in recent months to respect and protect the environment of our site. It is essential that the organization of a world race as prestigious as an F1 GP is done in harmony with this balance necessary for the well-being of the circuit. We want to guarantee environmental quality and above all not to distort the place.
An imperative condition comes directly from the world of Formula 1. The official authorities, and Bernie Ecclestone, must be in favor of the return of the GP to the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit, in Le Castellet.
Finally, another absolutely necessary condition is that the hosting and organization or co-organization of the French F1 Grand Prix is ​​an economically viable operation. We know that it is very expensive to organize and host F1, but we will have to find a reasonable financial balance, especially during this period. »

There is no doubt that the possibility of the arrival of Formula 1 in the Var is an attractive possibility. But Bernie Ecclestone saw, in France, a Grand Prix which would be close to transport facilities, and which would also be close to Paris. Also, it seems difficult for the big financier of F1 to give his approval for an F1 GP at Le Castellet.