Bernie: French GP unlikely to return before 2011

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Sunday 23rd November 2008

The French Grand Prix is unlikely to return to the Formula One calendar before the 2011 season, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

France won't have a grand prix next season after the French motorsport federation was forced to withdraw its backing of the Magny-Cours race due to a lack of funds.

The race suffered another setback last week when Euro Disney and the Lagardere Sports group withdrew their joint bid to host the event at the Val d'Europe circuit on the outskirts of Paris.

F1 supremo Ecclestone says it is important that France finds the "right spot".

"I've always thought it was the right spot for us, that it was the new location that suited the French Grand Prix," Ecclestone told L'Equipe.

"I think it is quite sure (that there will be no race in 2010).

"We went to Magny-Cours for the wrong reasons, for political reasons.

"Let's try and avoid a repeat. What we want is to find for sure the right spot because the French GP has to be long-lasting."

Your Comments

kowached

"The manufacturers want race viewers/attendees, and fans want to attend races and view the race on TV. Keep races reasonably priced and fans will be there, and when they can't be there, fans will watch the race on TV. I don't see where Bernie and his minions are needed..."

Cyrano

"May Bernie not enjoy a life any longer than he's already had. He's a blight on the sport, and an eyesore to boot."

spade

"You know I am starting to get sick and tired of Bernie. It seems like every week someone else is getting kicked to the curb. We are probably going to lose some of the most enjoyable tracks to watch next year. For my money there weren't enough races on the calender this year. I like the thought of a long and arduous season that shows the mettle of the teams."

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