Rumor: Paul Ricard may host F1 race every two years (Update)

This rumor from back in May is upgraded to ‘fact’ today. Following confirmation from Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali that the French Grand Prix will drop off the calendar in 2023, organizers say they are keen to hold the race on a rotation system in the future.

Domenicali confirmed to reporters, as per Auto Hebdo: “We are discussing with the French Federation, and with the government, because more and more the future is linked to the promoters who see this as an investment for the country.

“So the discussions are very open for a good future. And as you know, one possibility could be to find some kind of rotation proposal that would allow everyone to be part of the calendar. Because I think it is a question of respect.”

A statement from organizers read: “The Formula 1 French Grand Prix takes note of recent statements made by Stefano Domenicali, President of Formula 1, regarding its absence from the calendar for the 2023 season.

“After the great success of its 2022 edition, the French Grand Prix, Formula 1 and all the stakeholders of the Grand Prix continue to work together on the presence of this event in the calendar for years to come, and in particular on a rotation system.

“The Formula 1 French Grand Prix would like to thank its clients, all the administrators from its GIP, the Circuit Paul Ricard and all its partners for their unfailing support.”

(GMM) The only way Paul Ricard can keep the French GP alive may be to alternate a single annual race date with another grand prix.

Fernando Alonso, who has raced at Monaco more than any other current F1 driver, said rumors the Principality could lose its fabled street race “don’t make sense”.

Russian F1 commentator Alexey Popov commented: “The fact that we are looking at the results on Friday and not on Thursday is the first sign that Formula 1 started a war with Monaco.

“They will pay or they will go from the calendar. Most of the fans are also saying Monaco is not interesting except for rich people on yachts,” the Match TV pundit added.

But other European races including Spa-Francorchamps are also in danger as Liberty Media unashamedly expands into new markets like Miami and Las Vegas – and one of them is France’s Paul Ricard.

Race promoter Christian Estrosi is quoted by RMC: “I’m quite won over by the idea that doing a race every two years really makes sense to move up a level compared to other grands prix on the planet.”

Estrosi met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali on Friday to discuss Paul Ricard’s expiring grand prix deal.

He said it was to “confirm that at the end of the 2022 edition, Domenicali has said yes in principle to us having another race”.

“He (Domenicali) said that France is on a model in the F1 calendar that must evolve, as they are discussing with several other places on the calendar that not everyone will necessarily have a grand prix every year,” Estrosi added.

Estrosi, who is also the mayor of Nice, says he expects more clarity by September.