Rouen to bid for the French GP
It is reported that, at the scene of this weekend's race, a representative of the bidding party put forward Rouen's name as an alternative venue for the French grand prix, which is likely to move away from the isolated Magny-Cours after 2008.
The media reports, however, met with a swift rebuke by the mayor's office, according to the French news agency AFP.
"The city of Rouen is not associated with this approach and so far there has been no request for (our) support," the mayor's office said.
It is also reported that the French motor sport federation, FFSA, is playing down the Rouen speculation.
Sports.fr claims that three Rouen locations are being considered: a street track, a port circuit, and a venue near the airport.
Paris and Le Mans have also been mentioned as possible alternative venues for the historic French grand prix.
06/19/08 Rouen says it will bid for the French Grand Prix. The city held five French Grands Prix between 1952 and 1968 but continued to hold races on the Les Essarts road circuit until 1993. There was then an attempt to construct a new facility but the money could not be found. Now, an organization called Espace des Decideurs des Entreprises Normandes and the Chamber of Commerce of Rouen say they are planning a new project. They say they are studying three different possibilities with a street circuit being the preferred idea. There is also a study for a circuit in the dock area of Rouen and a third possibility of a permanent circuit near the airport. Grandprix.com