French GP: “Deal concluded” according to Ecclestone

The return of the French Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar has been a topic of discussion for several months now, but things seem to be materializing. Indeed, Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that he has reached an agreement with the French government regarding the financial details.

The deal is done. We have indeed agreed on the financial terms with the Minister of Sports, David Douillet, last Tuesday in my office. We are still discussing a few financial aspects around the race: ‘You give me this, I want that …’, Bernie Ecclestone told the newspaper L’Equipe, in Bahrain.

If an agreement has indeed been reached, nothing has been signed yet, but this should be the case very soon according to the head of FOM: « But for me, there is no doubt, we will sign now. As soon as the French are ready. Before the result of the second round of the presidential elections in France, if they wish. Whatever the outcome, I don’t care. It’s a matter of domestic politics that does not concern me. »

As announced for several weeks now, the French Grand Prix is expected to take place at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France every other year starting in 2013. However, while Belgium seems well-positioned to alternate with France, Bernie Ecclestone has not said anything on the matter, and it will probably be necessary to wait for the official confirmation of France’s return to the F1 calendar to know with which country it will alternate its Grand Prix.