The French GP wants a decade-long contract

The organizers of the French GP organized a press conference this Tuesday at the Paris Motor Show in order to take stock after the return of the F1 in France on the Paul-Ricard circuit. FIA President Jean Todt, F1 Director Chase Carey, GIP President Christian Estrosi, French GP Managing Director Gilles Dufeigneux and FFSA President Nicolas Deschaux.

The stall @canalplus au @MondialAuto with, as speakers, Jean-Claude Girot (Commissioner General #WorldAuto), Chase Carey (President Formula One Group Liberty Media), @cestrosi, @G_Dufeigneux, @JeanTodt (Close. @fia), Nicolas Deschaux (@FFSportAuto) and @ThomasSenecal pic.twitter.com/hSPFqUO9km

— Le Sport Avec Canal (@SportDansCanal) 2th October, 2018

Christian Estrosi was notably invited to comment on the traffic problems around the Paul-Ricard circuit which caused a wave of discontent among spectators. The politician then spoke of the organizers' desire to obtain a long-term contract to put greater resources into the event.

“Before discussing road infrastructure, we must ensure a sustainable presence. We need longer insurance periods, discussing an 8 to 10 year contract. We cannot build highways for the 2019 season. There are intermediate solutions with park-and-ride facilities, shuttles, etc. We were surprised on Friday by the traffic due to the usual flow of traffic intersecting with that of spectators. We work with startups to obtain innovative solutions. We could reduce the problem by 50% without having to pay too high costs. »

Christian Estrosi also indicated that the 2018 French GP had been a financial success.

“The 68 million euros in revenue was obtained, the return on investment was successful. We have had great success in terms of tourism up to the Italian border. We believe it will increase over the years. We have several projects in the background to integrate young people. We want to develop a learning center and a site welcoming large manufacturers on the Paul-Ricard site. »

The 2018 edition of the @GPFranceF1 was a success, with more than 160 spectators, 000 million viewers in France and 3 worldwide. 440 days of entertainment, parties and races on the @PaulRicardTrack.

- Christian Estrosi (@cestrosi) 2th October, 2018

Nicolas Deschaux supported Christian Estrosi's comments by returning to the difficulties encountered in obtaining the return of F1 to the territory after a decade of absence from the calendar.

“It was a complicated challenge as we had to resolve a complex financial equation and find our place within a busy schedule. There was very strong voluntarism to organize this. Reconnecting with the popular side was the greatest difficulty, but the teams managed to rise to the challenge to revive the signature and brand of the French GP. The return of F1 is a great boost for us. declared the president of the FFSA.

The 2019 French GP will be organized on June 23.