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French newspaper Le Figaro Thursday published an aticle that says that the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet now has definite chances of staging a Grand Prix of France in 2013.
Stephane Clair, the director of the circuit is quoted saying that arrival of new investors in the project could mean that the final approval for the race would be given before the end of November.
Clair made it clear however that this is not a consequence of the Grand Prix of New Jersey being apparently pushed back one year to 2014. The potential French Grand Prix would not take the place of the New Jersey event.
The new French governement made it also clear that it would not invest any public money in the F1 race. For that reason, Clair and the officials of the Paul Ricard circuit had to find money somewhre else.
“We have two options. One would be the involvement of the promoter of international sporting events which would take all the financial risks,” said Clair in the article.
“Our second option is the involvement of foreign private investors who would join the public parties already interested in the project. They would bring the money we need to launch the project. They are willing to get involved to make the 2013 race happen,” he continued.
Clair added that the negotiations must be ended by the end of November to respect the planning. The organisers also need three months of work to adapt some of the infrastructures to the current F1 standards.
Clair believes that the Paul Ricard circuit has “90% chances” of holding the French Grand Prix in 2013. “I hope it will work out. On paper, it is feasable. My only worry is about missing some of the deadlines,” Clair said.
Stephane Clair, the director of the circuit is quoted saying that arrival of new investors in the project could mean that the final approval for the race would be given before the end of November.
Clair made it clear however that this is not a consequence of the Grand Prix of New Jersey being apparently pushed back one year to 2014. The potential French Grand Prix would not take the place of the New Jersey event.
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| Photo: WRi2 |
The new French governement made it also clear that it would not invest any public money in the F1 race. For that reason, Clair and the officials of the Paul Ricard circuit had to find money somewhre else.
“We have two options. One would be the involvement of the promoter of international sporting events which would take all the financial risks,” said Clair in the article.
“Our second option is the involvement of foreign private investors who would join the public parties already interested in the project. They would bring the money we need to launch the project. They are willing to get involved to make the 2013 race happen,” he continued.
Clair added that the negotiations must be ended by the end of November to respect the planning. The organisers also need three months of work to adapt some of the infrastructures to the current F1 standards.
Clair believes that the Paul Ricard circuit has “90% chances” of holding the French Grand Prix in 2013. “I hope it will work out. On paper, it is feasable. My only worry is about missing some of the deadlines,” Clair said.