Philippe Gurdjian assesses the French GP file

Philippe Gurdjian is not a stranger to Formula 1. He is legitimately well-positioned to speak about the current thorny issue of the French Grand Prix. Indeed, he organized several Formula 1 races at the current Magny-Cours circuit and also participated in the extensive renovation of the Castellet track in the south of France.

The current situation of France in Formula 1 is enough to exasperate: France was a flagship of the automotive industry for a century. And suddenly we lost a major Grand Prix of the Formula 1 World Championship. At the same time, our auto industry is only declining. With Renault, Total, and Michelin at one time, the French Grand Prix was the showcase of our industry. The event was part of their marketing strategy.

But Gurdjian has his own idea about the death of the French Grand Prix: « The period when the FFSA [French Federation of Motorsport] became the promoter of the Grand Prix instead of the circuit could not last, which led to its cessation since 2008. »

However, even despite the efforts of the previous French government, Philippe Gurdjian thinks that the method used was not the right one: « I think the setup was not good. Only the circuit and the region should be the players, the organizers of a Grand Prix, with the unconditional support of federations and governments. By finding the necessary and essential financial balance! It is unthinkable to say yes to organizing a Grand Prix with a deficit budget. Therefore, a good compromise must be found between the FOM [Formula One Management] led by Bernie Ecclestone and turning towards the FIA [Fédération Internationale Automobile]. The latter is based on French territory and must work with determination to find a viable financial solution for the organizing circuit and not rely on the government. It is clear that the circuit manages the costs and that the Federation remains the sporting organizer. »

After this hint directed at Jean Todt, president of the FIA, Gurdjian criticizes the possible alternation mentioned between France and Belgium for hosting a Grand Prix: « I never believed in alternation. In terms of marketing and promoting a Grand Prix, it’s better to be an annual event with a fixed date. It’s absurd! »

The French therefore propose solutions that could save the project, which seems to be at a low point: « It would be necessary to start from scratch. Today, two circuits are capable of organizing a Grand Prix: Paul Ricard and Magny Cours. Both need either upgrades or renovations. The equation is simple: these two circuits require investments to meet the requirements of a GP before they can be candidates for organization. Once this point is resolved, would they want to be organizers for 5, 10, or even 15 years, considering the investments? If so, a budget needs to be established with two constraints: one, to find a satisfactory financial agreement with the FOM over the period. Two, to find a financial agreement with local authorities. The goal is to find a profitable solution for the circuit. I think it’s not impossible. But for that, all the problems in each case must be precisely known… with all their impacts on the budget. May the best one win! »