French Grand Prix, time to take stock

The dissolution of the Public Interest Group (GIP) of the French Grand Prix, which was to have taken place on December 14, has been postponed, with several players in the Sud-Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region wanting clarification on the accounts. Once the dissolution has been ratified, the PACA region would have to pay 9,5 million euros, the Var department 4,5 million and the metropolises “Toulon-Provence-Mediterranean” and “Nice Côte d’Azur” 4,5 million each one equally. In total, the amount, taking into account other stakeholders, would exceed 27 million euros.

Estrosi steps up to the plate

A figure contested by Christian Estrosi in the columns of the regional daily Var-Matin (December 14 edition). “ It is an evaluation between what remains to be paid and a refundable advance from the Region, explains the President of the GIP. We are not talking here about a company in difficulty which leaves a slate, but about a public body which will pay its service providers for around 16 million euros. We will distribute these sums among the members of the GIP, starting with the Region, and determine under what conditions and according to what timetable. We must ensure transparency on everything as it involves public money. » For the political leader, it is first of all “ the low participation of the State, which this year was around 1,5 million euros compared to 12 million for Monza, in Italy, for example » which justifies this debt, as well as “ the 2020 edition canceled due to Covid and the following with gauges of three times 5000 spectators. »

The French Grand Prix, “ 120 million economic benefits »

While Jean-Louis Masson (LR), new president of the Var departmental council, is not angry, the President of the Nice-Côte d'Azur Metropolis and Mayor of Nice affirms in the same interview that he “ will not let the image of this Grand Prix be damaged. "" We can be proud of what has been done over five years, continues Estrosi. We must see everything that the event has brought, particularly to Var which is the first beneficiary. The 2022 French Grand Prix means 120 million in economic benefits, revenue for communities, jobs, tourist taxes. Not to mention the media impact for the region. Bringing back the French Grand Prix was courageous on the part of the communities! » Contacted by AUTOhebdo, Éric Boullier, general director of the French GP, assures that “ all documents have been sent » and that everything is « clear " and " transparent ". This is what the Var Departmental Council apparently wants to verify.

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