Opponents of the new French GP project

The project for a new circuit using non-permanent public and private roads by Alain Prost and the Lagardère group was presented on October 21 to the elected officials of northern Seine-et-Marne. The goal is to replace the Magny-Cours circuit in Nièvre, which has long been criticized by F1 authorities and removed from the 2009 calendar.

A call to protest has been launched by the Greens and Socialists of the Val d’Europe Agglomeration Union. The protest is set to take place on Saturday, November 15th in front of the entrance to the Disney Parks against the project for a new circuit on the outskirts of Paris.

« We do not want Val d’Europe to be known for its F1 circuit but for its quality of life, its demanding projects in terms of sustainable development, land management, and its economic projects that truly embody the reconciliation between economy and ecology… » they declared.

The Socialists of the five municipalities of Val d’Europe (Bailly-Romainvilliers, Chessy, Coupvray, Magny-le-Hongre, and Serris) have voiced their opposition, along with the municipal council of Serris, against the establishment of the F1 circuit. According to the Socialists in this department, this project goes against environmental respect and the quality of life for local residents.

In response, the promoters of the Val d’Europe Project stated that there would be minimal environmental consequences: « The 6,000 liters of fuel consumed by the Formula 1 cars are equivalent to four Twingo cars running throughout the year at Val d’Europe. »

The opponents have not changed their point of view. They are particularly relying on other projects to establish a French Grand Prix permanently in the F1 Calendar.

For your information, the petition for the Magny-Cours 2 project, which plans a revamp of the technical facilities of the Nièvre Circuit and thus the retention of the French GP in Nevers, has already been signed by 5,000 fans. (It is available by clicking here)