French GP to return to Magny Cours

Magny Cours

(GMM) A return to the formula one grid of French grand prix venue Magny Cours is on the cards for 2012, according to reports.

L'Equipe, and the French news agency AFP, said circuit boss Serge Saulnier sounded bullish on Thursday amid recent efforts to reinstate the race after it was dropped after 2008.

The FIA published the 2011 calendar this week, with France once again omitted.

"Yes. We stopped in 2008 because the financial cap could not be filled by the counsel general de la Nievre, or the regional Burgundy council," explained Saulnier.

Among F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone's criticisms of Magny Cours, located in rural central France, was the difficulty of the journey from Paris.

Saulnier said this problem is going to be solved.

"Yes. The A77 motorway from Paris to Magny Cours will be inaugurated in the coming weeks, and we are also going to launch covered stands at the Adelaide corner.

"Like every year we have received approval from the FIA for formula one, and this year we have enlarged the pitlane. It's been done.

"We are in the starting blocks to again organize a grand prix of France," he insisted.

"We will achieve our financial package before June 2011, we are the only circuit in France approved for F1 and we mustn't forget that motor sport allows for rapid develop of alternative energies," said Saulnier.