Pau Grand Prix: this is the exit?

Article taken from issue 2287 of November 18, 2020

About ten years ago, when you arrived in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques prefecture, it was impossible to miss the traces emanating from the Pau Grand Prix: the main grandstand, erected in 1958, the pit wall and the painting red and white applied every spring on the sidewalks. Today, for reasons of security and urban development, only painting remains, and even then; it starts to flake. Since May 19, 2019, the 2,762 km circuit has been left free to traffic.

Due to Covid-19, the 2020 edition was canceled while hopes of an 80th vintage next year were dampened by a terse message published on the Facebook page of the ASAC Basco-Béarnais, organizer of the Béarnaise event. "We can't do anything, explains Joël Do Vale, President of the Automobile Club. We had incurred costs for the 2020 edition. The assembly of the temporary circuit begins in February (safety rails, fences, tires) and the cancellation occurred in March.

We could very well have said that we were maintaining the GP for the moment, but without any guarantee of bringing the event to its conclusion. We let the Town Hall take its responsibilities if it still wanted to plan something in 2021. But its response was very clear and negative. » Precisely, Éric Saubatte, the Sports Assistant at the City of Pau, explains how the epidemic got the better of the 2021 event. “The health and economic situation means that for several weeks, we have been faced with this threat. The logistics involved in a city tour during a pandemic are extremely cumbersome and not without risk. »

Alarmist signals

The question underlying this double cancellation is worrying: is there a future for the Grand Prix? On the one hand, coming back from such a long break has never been seen since the Second World War in Pau. Will championship promoters still think of the city of King Henry IV when thinking about the 2022 calendar? In a society where it is about making noise to exist, the ability to keep the interest of the motorsport world alive will be decisive in the quarters to come. On the other hand, there is no doubt that this meeting leaves behind an increasingly heavy atmosphere.

It started with the sudden cancellation of the 2010 edition, decided by the Mayor at the time, Martine Lignières-Cassou (PS) after three years of WTCC anthology. At the time, the reason for the cost was hammered home. “The City of Pau finances the Grand Prix to the tune of 2,2 million euros out of a budget of 2,7 million. Or 80%. We can't continue like this.", she declared. Back with Peter Auto at the helm, the Historic event gained in quality while the Modern went astray, to the point of provoking pity with a star field composed of 13 Formula Renault 2.0 in 2013.

At the time, in conflict with the Town Hall, Patrick Peter actually went to the stands to apologize to the spectators! The return of the ASAC BB, the F3 Europe and GT4 France would then revive the troops, until yet another drop in tension with the Euroformula Open.

On non-sporting grounds, we have noted in recent years an increase in pressure from the “anti” Grand Prix. (Rare) local residents hold up banners against noise and pollution during this automobile festival. “Stop Grand Prix” tags, a match of online petitions (victory for the “For” with 3 signatories against 400 for the “Anti”) also punctuated the column. Politicians got started in 500 with opposition from the urban area not very happy with the idea of ​​allocating 2019 euros in subsidies to the Grand Prix.

The appearance of an open-air museum dedicated to the Tour de France, literally in the heart of the main paddock, finally convinced some enthusiasts that their Grand Prix was no longer a necessary tool for promoting local heritage. In summary, everyone would like and be aware of the value of the Grand Prix de Pau… except the people of Palois. False, answer the kingpins. For Joël Do Vale, “his image is not that bad. On the other hand, there are more and more means of communication used by opponents. »

Trust

On the side of the municipality, like the organizers, the word is consistent. “It’s crucial to maintain the GP, and I speak as a Palois, continues the organizer. I was born in 1958 and I have always lived with the GP! It's not at all the idea to stop it for good. » The mayor of the city of Pau, François Bayrou (MoDem), revealed the main axis of this future in the columns of La République des Pyrénées. “We need to review the Grand Prix model. Cities with an automobile tradition, like ours, could find an interest in respecting the environment. » Implied, with electricity.

Very good, but with which category? “We cannot take over the Andros Car from Max Mamers because we would not be credible, explains Joël Do Vale. Why not get closer to Jaguar? It's a beautiful plateau. (The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy no longer exists since last August. Editor's note) Formula E, I don't even think about it. The cost is crazy, several million euros, even if this year, the organizers asked us if Pau could accommodate them after the capitals withdrew. I agreed, with a financial rebate, but that was before the first confinement. »

More realistically, Éric Saubatte cites Formula 4. “Mygale (and Oreca) announced a new hybrid F4 for 2022. There are many avenues to explore in this area. » The one who describes himself as “one of the greatest lovers of the Grand Prix” also believes that“we must not forget thermal engines, and even less History, with the idea of ​​a festival at Goodwood. »

Behind the scenes, optimism is in order. “Deciding to cancel so early allows us to work in the medium term. From now on, we are planning for 2022 and we are working on it seriously,” assures Éric Saubatte. The Pau Grand Prix has not yet given up; logical when the statue of Marshal Foch gives its name to the cult turn of the circuit.

3 Questions to…

Laurent Vallery-Masson, Boss of HVM Racing, promoter of the Historic GP

“Pau, a showcase and a major issue”

What was your reaction after the cancellation of the Pau Grand Prix?

I'm not particularly surprised. We can understand that the City has other priorities at the moment. However, I am beginning to doubt that this will continue in the future. The Grand Prix is ​​not unanimous among “green” residents.

Should we establish a new formula for History?

The Modern and Historical leanings exist in order to amortize the Grand Prix budget over two weekends. I am discussing with other circuits about alternating every other year or introducing a new format so that the event weighs less on citizens. We are talking about it with the local clubs, because for the moment, the municipality has not given any signs of resumption of the Grand Prix. I am not the decision-maker, the key word belongs to the City.

What does the Historic Grand Prix represent for HVM?

We are extremely sensitive to this ordeal. Since 2014, we have been operating regularly in Pau, whether by bringing sets or as a promoter of History. It is a showcase and a major issue.