FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[McLaren Fan]

Jean Todt has confirmed that he will support France's efforts to return to the F1 calendar.

Recent host Magny Cours did not organise the race in 2009 for "economic reasons", and efforts to date to establish alternative venues have not yet been successful.

In August, the president of France's motor racing federation Nicolas Deschaux said he thought electing Frenchman Todt as FIA president "could make our job" of reviving the grand prix "easier".

As Todt was voted in last week, Deschaux was named as a member of the new World Motor Sport Council.

Todt said in a French language interview with AFP that the status of the French Grand Prix is already the subject of "discussions with our friends at the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile."

He also said talks will take place with government officials, adding that: "I hope that France again has a grand prix."

Bernie Ecclestone recently told the Le Parisien newspaper that it has been difficult so far to restore a French Grand Prix.

"I've sent a contract to them and it hasn't been sent back," said the Briton, revealing that 2013 looks the earliest date for a Paris race, and that Paul Ricard is another possible venue.

"It's a shame, because it's going to get harder to find a spot on the calendar. They need to act quickly because time is short," added Ecclestone.

Meanwhile, Todt has declined to rule out finding a role within the Paris based federation for his opponent Ari Vatanen.

"We cannot exclude any outcome," he said. "We need competent people."

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM

[EwanM]

Jean Todt has confirmed that he will support France's efforts to return to the F1 calendar.

Recent host Magny Cours did not organise the race in 2009 for "economic reasons", and efforts to date to establish alternative venues have not yet been successful.

In August, the president of France's motor racing federation Nicolas Deschaux said he thought electing Frenchman Todt as FIA president "could make our job" of reviving the grand prix "easier".

As Todt was voted in last week, Deschaux was named as a member of the new World Motor Sport Council.

Todt said in a French language interview with AFP that the status of the French Grand Prix is already the subject of "discussions with our friends at the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile."

He also said talks will take place with government officials, adding that: "I hope that France again has a grand prix."

Bernie Ecclestone recently told the Le Parisien newspaper that it has been difficult so far to restore a French Grand Prix.

"I've sent a contract to them and it hasn't been sent back," said the Briton, revealing that 2013 looks the earliest date for a Paris race, and that Paul Ricard is another possible venue.

"It's a shame, because it's going to get harder to find a spot on the calendar. They need to act quickly because time is short," added Ecclestone.

Meanwhile, Todt has declined to rule out finding a role within the Paris based federation for his opponent Ari Vatanen.

"We cannot exclude any outcome," he said. "We need competent people."

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM

Vatanen - future WRC commisioner?

[McLaren Fan]

It would appease quite a few people.

[EwanM]

It would appease quite a few people.

I wouldn't call it a great decision to be honest. Although rallying could really do to be sorted out.

[7UpJordan]

Just as long as it doesnt return to Magny Bores...

[scotty]

Moving to Paul Ricard would actually make a nice change (so to speak), although i doubt it'd get the nod if there were any chance of Bernie having the opportunity to stage the race in Paris.

[cap-dude]

Really, we don't need another street circuit. It should be limited to Monaco and Singapore. No Valencia, no Rome, no Paris.

Paul Ricard sounds good to me. Just as long they can get sort a good layout that doesn't make overtaking to hard.

[bud]

Really, we don't need another street circuit. It should be limited to Monaco and Singapore. No Valencia, no Rome, no Paris.

Paul Ricard sounds good to me. Just as long they can get sort a good layout that doesn't make overtaking to hard.

What about Albert park and circuit de gilles villenueve

What about Le Mans?

[The Oz]

Really, we don't need another street circuit. It should be limited to Monaco and Singapore. No Valencia, no Rome, no Paris.

Paul Ricard sounds good to me. Just as long they can get sort a good layout that doesn't make overtaking to hard.

What about Albert park and circuit de gilles villenueve

What about Le Mans?

Australia
Singapore
Canada
Monaco
should be it. No more no less. However if Albert Park isn' good enough they could move it to Australia's bes race track......Bathurst

[Big Azza]

I can see it now - Nakajima getting massive airtime after the big dipper, flying straight into Forrests Elbow! Seriously, it's so damn narrow the only way to over take someone would be to jump over them.

I would Personally love to see the Phillip Island track widened to accommodate F1 cars.

Or... Sandown. I was also watching the Super GP this weekend. It gave me some ideas... But too narrow I think.

[EwanM]

Paul Ricard lacks grandstands and spectator points. Ecclestone and co own it and they redesigned it primarily for testing only. It would take alot of change that.

[myownalias]

I'd welcome Magny-Cours back onto the calendar personally; I enjoyed the racing at the track, that'd be one good deed for Jean Todt despite my opposition to his election!

[7UpJordan]

If they bring Paul Ricard back I'd like to see the track re-decorated so it looks a little more like how it did 20 ish years ago.

[JamesD89]

Just as long as it doesnt return to Magny Bores...

Is that the one with the big 90 degree corner?

[headless]

If they bring Paul Ricard back I'd like to see the track re-decorated so it looks a little more like how it did 20 ish years ago.

Nice