Jean Alesi wants to bring F1 back to the Paul-Ricard circuit
Jean Alesi, recently elected at the head of the Paul-Ricard circuit, complains about a lack of interest from the government towards Formula 1.
After being on the calendar for four years, Paul-Ricard will not host the F1 this year. The non-renewal of the contract between the circuit and the F1 has also led to the dissolution of the Public Interest Group (GIP) that managed the Grand Prix of France, with a deficit of approximately 27 million euros.
In an interview with BFM Toulon Var, Jean Alesi reflects on the disappearance of this event and partially blames the French government. 32 countries are asking to host Formula 1 Grand Prix. Geographically, the Paul Ricard circuit was ideal, but when you arrive in a country where there is no interest, it becomes complicated. The presidents of other countries are honored to have such an event on their territory. The French Grand Prix is not a problem of the Paul Ricard circuit, it is a national problem. There is no national desire to have a Grand Prix, he declares.
« If the Grand Prix has existed in the past five years, we can really thank the local officials. But a region alone cannot host a Grand Prix. »
He would like to speak with Mr. Emmanuel Macron in order to improve the situation. It would be an honor to speak with the President of the Republic about something that is dear to me and that could come back on the agenda… I think he has other priorities.
The French Grand Prix hosted the F1 from 1950 to 2008 before experiencing a ten-year hiatus until its return to the calendar in 2018. With the growing success of the sport, there are many candidates who want to host it, which does not currently foresee the drivers returning to Le Castellet.
