Presented with great fanfare, the 2018 French Grand Prix will indeed take place!

The anticipation was high, befitting the event. Confirmed initially by Mr. Christian Estrosi, Formula 1 is indeed returning to France, after 10 long years of absence! Taking the first word, the president of the PACA region immediately set the scene in front of the journalists present, of which casinoenligne.uk.com was a part: « Ladies and gentlemen, I am definitively announcing the return of the French Grand Prix of Formula 1, from summer 2018, in Provence Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in Var, on the Circuit Paul Ricard! Yes, after 10 years of absence, the Grand Prix will take place on the Paul Ricard circuit. It is a tremendous victory for the men of will who have made this success possible. » “The French Grand Prix of @F1 returns in 2018, confirmed by @cestrosi who notably dedicates it to @Jules_Bianchi! #FFSA #GPdeFrance pic.twitter.com/AJ3JnUMQ16” — FFSA.org (@ffsaorg) December 5

Bernie said yes!

Beyond the information, this large public meeting revealed a well-kept secret. After multiple attempts, the project seems to be on the right track this time. Let us recall that the French Grand Prix almost returned to Paul-Ricard as early as 2012. At the time, the change in the presidential majority was fatal to the organizing committee’s ambitions. Due to a lack of funding from the socialist government, the race could not be included in the calendar.

Tired of all these failed projects, Bernie Ecclestone had nonetheless not been kind regarding the relationship between France and Formula 1. The chief executive of the Formula One Group stated in 2015 that there is no good circuit in France. But as a sign of destiny, he already stated that France could get the necessary support to organize a race again, outside of Magny-Cours, a site that doesn’t interest anyone. From then on, the Var circuit moved to the forefront against its major rival in Nièvre.

This time, the former mayor of Nice assures us that the negotiations have been a success for the azure circuit! Led by a team that notably includes Eric Boullier, this new reward recognizes a long-term effort: «We have been negotiating for a year. It has only been a few days since things were settled, that I was able to reach an agreement with the international promoters of Formula 1. On November 16, in Geneva, I went to the FIA headquarters to meet Bernie Ecclestone. I understood at the end of this final phase of discussion that we had won. It was clear in his handshake, in his gaze. »

Two weeks later, the goal was achieved: « Last Wednesday, November 30th, I received the letter of commitment from the FOM. After having our legal team and close team work all night, I thank them, we were able to finalize the Region’s letter of commitment on Thursday, December 1st. »

A well-crafted operation from an economic standpoint

On this thorny issue, the organization seems almost formalized. One certainty exists: the Grand Prix will not depend on state subsidies. Mr. Estrosi reiterated that the Conseil Départemental du Var will be the majority shareholder of this project. Local authorities and the Var Chamber of Commerce and Industry will contribute around 14 million euros. This GIP (public interest group) will have a bank guarantee, ensuring financial security for the entire setup. In support, major French groups like Renault or Total will even be involved in the project.

The president of the PACA region actually expects a lot from this French Grand Prix, especially on a local level: « The PACA region is counting on its territory, on its circuit. A circuit that has made great efforts and investments to align with F1 on the international stage. »

It is important to clearly understand that this project primarily aims for a regional dynamic that will drive the entire PACA region economically and socially.

Faced with journalists’ questions, the former motorcycle racer even assured: « The French Grand Prix will be economically profitable. Hosting the Grand Prix represents an annual budget of approximately 30 million euros, with 16 million euros in direct revenues and 14 million euros in public subsidies. The total economic impact is estimated

€65 million per Grand Prix for the region.

What is the capacity?

Asked about the possible attendance, fans will visibly be satisfied: 65,000 to 75,000 spectators are expected for this French Grand Prix. And the organizing committee assures: ticket prices will be open to the general public.

On the scheduling front, the rumor has indeed been confirmed: the race will take place at the end of summer, a key tourism moment, in a region that attracts 12 million tourists per year. And fans can rest assured: the hotel infrastructure and transport routes will be able to handle the massive crowds. Let’s also remember that the Castellet circuit has good recent experience, with the organization of the Bol d’Or Moto in 2015 and /f1/actualite/21611-le-gp-de-france-de-retour-en-2018-au-paul-ricard-.html, which attracted a crowd similar to what is expected for Formula 1.

For Mr. Hubert Falco, senator and mayor of the city of Toulon, there is therefore no concern regarding the effectiveness of housing for spectators and participants of the race:

« The Var is the number one tourist department in France. In Toulon, we recently welcomed 400,000 people as part of the America’s Cup World Series (the preliminary competition to the 2017 America’s Cup sailing race). I don’t think we will encounter any problems welcoming spectators for the French Grand Prix! »

Nonetheless, this new French Grand Prix will still have to find a place between the Belgian Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix, traditionally held at this time. But at the same time, let’s remember that other rumors are circulating about a possible withdrawal of Malaysia at the start of the 2017 season.

Finally, on the technical side, purists should be delighted: the proposed circuit version would closely resemble the long version of 5.810 kilometers used between 1971 and 1985. Even though confirmation will come in the months ahead, one thing is certain: we can’t wait to see the premier category drivers tackle the Signes curve at full speed, the mythical emblem of the Circuit Paul Ricard!