France to propose F1 return for 2013
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| British F3 raced at Paul Ricard this past weekend |
(GMM) France's return to the F1 calendar after a three year absence is now looming.
That is the claim of Gilles Dufeigneux, who in June was appointed directly by French prime minister Francois Fillon to lead efforts to arrange the race's comeback.
It is reported by the Nice-Matin newspaper that the event would be staged at Paul Ricard, with an annual race date alternating with Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps.
"Things are moving in a very real way," said Dufeigneux.
"All the indicators are green now, or soon will be. My current mood is summarized with three words: optimism, prudence, humility.
"We have entered the stage of completion and we can say that final decisions will be made very soon, in January or early February," he revealed.
07/18/11 (GMM) Plans to revive the French grand prix are progressing, the sports daily L'Equipe reports.
The working group put together by prime minister Francois Fillon is reportedly working on a letter of intent to send to F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.
The letter will outline the plans to alternate a race annually with Belgium's famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with the French edition to take place at Le Castellet (Paul Ricard).
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| Paul Ricard may alternate with Spa |
L'Equipe said the letter will also propose a date for the French grand prix, a budget for the sanctioning fee payable to Ecclestone and outlines for sponsorships.
The report added that France's goal is to have a grand prix back on the calendar in late August or early September in 2013.