No more Magny-Cours, but bring on Paris!
Discussion
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says this year's French Grand Prix will be the last held at Magny-Cours.
Ecclestone has long argued that the Circuit de Nevers, 155 miles (250km) south of Paris, is not generating anywhere near enough income.
He said in an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe: "The concern is the money - 2008 will be the last time we continue like this."
"I would really love a French Grand Prix in the streets of Paris."
Ecclestone added: "Prime Minister Francois Fillon told me we would see if we could have a Grand Prix in Paris or just outside but that would not necessarily be for 2009, rather for 2010."
After the pair met last year, Fillon's office said three locations - none of which are purpose built racing circuits - were being considered as replacement venues.
Any delay in finding a new site could see yet another Far or Middle Eastern race being added which no-one will go to but a shed load of cash will be sent via helicopter to F1 management.
Magny-Cours has been the permanent home of the French Grand Prix since 1991. The year's race takes place on Sunday, 22 June.
All IMO of course
Ecclestone has long argued that the Circuit de Nevers, 155 miles (250km) south of Paris, is not generating anywhere near enough income.
He said in an interview with French sports daily L'Equipe: "The concern is the money - 2008 will be the last time we continue like this."
"I would really love a French Grand Prix in the streets of Paris."
Ecclestone added: "Prime Minister Francois Fillon told me we would see if we could have a Grand Prix in Paris or just outside but that would not necessarily be for 2009, rather for 2010."
After the pair met last year, Fillon's office said three locations - none of which are purpose built racing circuits - were being considered as replacement venues.
Any delay in finding a new site could see yet another Far or Middle Eastern race being added which no-one will go to but a shed load of cash will be sent via helicopter to F1 management.
Magny-Cours has been the permanent home of the French Grand Prix since 1991. The year's race takes place on Sunday, 22 June.
All IMO of course
Edited by dougc on Tuesday 13th May 13:05
Considering that France has had a history of races on great tracks (Full Le Mans 24hr circuit, Reims, Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand, for example), it's a travesty that Magny-Cours has lasted so long. It's about time the race was moved by please keep the French GP, the sport did originate there, after all.
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns20350.html
Can't see it happening given the Livingstonite mayor.
I would suggest the Le Mans Bugatti circuit (not the full circuit, the GPDA would wreck it beyond recognition).
Not the greatest track in the world but it has a fair bit of history behind it, one of the first ever Grand Prix was held there in 1906. Its got great facilities and plenty of garages (enough for F1 and Gp2) and lots of runoff because it holds the MotoGP there every year.
Can't see it happening given the Livingstonite mayor.
I would suggest the Le Mans Bugatti circuit (not the full circuit, the GPDA would wreck it beyond recognition).
Not the greatest track in the world but it has a fair bit of history behind it, one of the first ever Grand Prix was held there in 1906. Its got great facilities and plenty of garages (enough for F1 and Gp2) and lots of runoff because it holds the MotoGP there every year.
mchammer89 said:
Scuffers said:
must say I will not miss Magny-Cours, hatefull place, like an over-sized go-kart track.
my favourite would be Dijon, but that would just never happen...
+1my favourite would be Dijon, but that would just never happen...
But.... what's wrong with Paul Ricard.... oh yes, of course, Bernie owns it, so he's hardly likely to take it there, he won't earn any $M's out of it from selling the franchise for a few years!
I know - Croix en Ternois. They could make it into a circuit!
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