French GP aiming for a rotational place on the future calendars

French GP

The French Grand Prix did not see the limelight until 2018. This beautiful and colorful race track had returned after a nine-year absence and preceding over an 18-season run at Magny Cours.

The venue signed a five-year contract that expires this year, making it the most likely venue to be dropped from the calendar next season as F1 continues to expand. There are a total of 23 races this year, with Qatar set to replace the cancelled Russian race in September.

France is the ancestral home of motorsport and has a constant presence at the heart of Formula One. The most distinctive feature of the Paul Ricard track is the striped run-off areas that are replaced by gravel traps. The blue and red combination of colors on the side of the tracks cannot be found anywhere but here. These aesthetically striking patterns are designed to be arrested in a more abrasive manner than a regular surface, offering more grip and control.

FS Video

The race is supported by the state through various government subsidies for sports and tourism, as well as a regional backup that does not help France’s fate. Officials from Paul Ricard are said to be in direct contact with President Macron’s office in order to secure additional financial support which is on the basis of the French GP alternating every two years, with another event that ha yet to be determined, commencing from 2024.

F1 keen to give French GP a permanent contract

The Concorde Agreement currently allows for expansion to 24 races, but with the aforementioned trio all set to join next year, two races will have to make way while the Chinese Grand Prix is set to return next season, while Qatar begins its 10-year contract, and F1 is expected to announce a race in Las Vegas in 2023.

F1 is currently in talks about a possible switch, with both parties seeing the plan as beneficial, especially given the growing interest from other countries in hosting events. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently stated that the sport’s popularity is such that it could be expanded to 30 races if all countries were given contracts. While Formula one is keen on a number of hosts alternating to ensure they can play a part in its future, France is one of those leading the race for such a position.

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