Ocon on the project to bring back the French Grand Prix: “the best news of the year”
While Emmanuel Macron recently stated that he supports the project of bringing back the French Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar, Alpine driver Esteban Ocon has expressed his joy over the news.
Esteban Ocon recently reacted to the possibility of the return of the French Grand Prix, after President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for the project. For the French driver, this is « excellent news », even « the best news of the year. »
Played every season from 1956 to 2008, at different locations, before disappearing from the calendar, only to return to the Paul Ricard circuit in 2018, the French Grand Prix remained on the calendar for only 4 seasons and was not renewed by Liberty Media at the end of last year.
Since then, several actors have been working to bring back Formula 1 in France. Starting with the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who has explicitly asked President Macron to lead a mission for the return of the event, even proposing the possibility of an urban circuit in Nice.
The head of state has therefore ordered a [mission](/f1/actualite/31051-estrosi-charge-par-president-republique-macron-faire-revenir-f1-france.html” “Estrosi va travailler sur le retour du GP de France”) tasked with studying the solutions for the return of the French Grand Prix. On the F1 side, the director Stefano Domenicali has always been favorable. He even met with Nicolas Deschaux, the head of the French Automobile Sport Federation, as well as the president of the Paul Ricard circuit Jean Alesi on the sidelines of the recent Monaco GP.
« Anywhere, I’ll take »
However, the project of the return of Formula 1 to France, whether it be at Le Castellet or elsewhere, with the Magny-Cour circuit also being mentioned, is still in its early stages. Esteban Ocon, in any case, expressed his satisfaction to see things moving: « There are many people involved who are trying to find solutions, people who pushed for the return of the Grand Prix in the past. »
« It’s a good thing to see that things are moving in the right direction. We should have a Grand Prix in France, as we are a great nation of motor racing (m).« We have a fully French team, with French drivers as well, so it would be great to see this Grand Prix come back. »
« Honestly, if there is a Grand Prix of France, I will take it anywhere, » also answered the 26-year-old Frenchman when asked about his preference for a traditional circuit or an urban circuit.
