François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy talk F1
Interviewed by the newspaper L'Equipe as part of the second round of the French presidential election, the last two candidates vying for the highest office discussed their relationship with sports and their political plans in this area. Formula 1 was, of course, mentioned.
Passing through the offices of the sports daily on April 27 and 28 respectively, François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy were questioned about Formula 1. The least that can be said is that the battle between the two rounds does not avoid the field of sports, and even less the issue of the return of a French Grand Prix.
Interviewed about the announcement of the return of a race on French soil, François Hollande prefers to be cautious: « A decision was made at the end of the term by the Prime Minister, sums have been announced – we’re talking about 20 million euros – but we don’t know if they are already committed. There will need to be a consultation following the presidential election to ensure that, here too, it is coordinated and organized. » A caution that, in Nicolas Sarkozy’s words, must turn into a demand: « We are fighting for [there to be a Formula 1 Grand Prix in France soon], even if it’s in alternation with Belgium. We are a country with two global car manufacturers, Renault and PSA, and now three promising young F1 drivers, we need to have a Grand Prix. »
Earlier in the week, Bernie Ecclestone, the head of Formula One Management, the company that manages the commercial rights of Formula 1, had announced that an agreement had been reached and that only a few details remained to be settled. The Socialist Party candidate believes that things have moved too quickly in this area: « There has been too much haste on this issue. We will review it if we are elected. » An opinion that is obviously not shared by the President of the Republic: « Reviewing files, forming a commission, and reflecting is not a project. Five years go by quickly, better to be ready beforehand. »
Beyond the rush, it’s the origin of the funds that could potentially bring the project to life that worries François Hollande, who came first in the first round of the election: « I don’t think it’s up to the state to make any financial effort. There are enough emergencies not to consider spending tens of millions of euros on the Grand Prix. » Nicolas Sarkozy, on the other hand, prefers to highlight the benefits: « Mr. Hollande is unaware that a Grand Prix brings in money, like all major sporting events. One should not have a narrow vision. »
The former first secretary of the PS was able to clarify his thoughts while being questioned more broadly on the organization of sporting events in general: « I am in favor of organizing major sporting events. But with financial control and shared responsibilities between the State, local authorities, the sports movement, and the private sector. If it is well managed, the consequences can be quite positive: exceptional attendance, images broadcast worldwide. It also allows, at a certain moment, to bring a nation together. The real problem with organizing a competition is that you must always imagine what will become of the facilities afterwards. »
Both of them were asked about the sporting events that marked them, but neither mentioned a memory related to Formula 1.
