Magny-Cours is a candidate for the return of Formula 1 to France
For several days, hopes of seeing Formula 1 return to France have been growing. While the sport has been associated with the Paul-Ricard circuit in recent years, it could make a comeback at Magny-Cours, the home of Formula 1 in France for many years. The mayor of Nevers is stepping forward as a candidate.
Circuit Paul-Ricard? Nevers-Magny-Cours? Or both? While France has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2022, the country is eager to have the racing cars back on its territory. Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic, has entrusted the dossier to the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi.
The City of Nice could be a candidate for the return of Formula 1 to France, just like the Paul-Ricard circuit located a few kilometers from the French Riviera. However, a new player has emerged this Tuesday, July 18th. The mayor of Nevers, Denis Thuriot, expressed his interest.
A ministerial conversation
The mayor can rely on an approved circuit for hosting the F1 and the experience of the track in the past. The organization of the French Grand Prix could then be done on an alternating basis. I have discussed with Renaud Muselier (involved in the French Grand Prix in Le Castellet with Christian Estrosi) who would agree for our two projects to work alternately, which would limit the cost of organization for each region, explains Denis Thuriot.
The latter plans to talk about his project to the President of the Republic and the Minister for Sports, Amélie Oudea-Castera, who will receive him on August 31st. In order for the project to be successful, Stefano Domenicali needs to be certain that the French government is fully committed. The mayor of Nevers can rely on his political affiliation – the same as Emmanuel Macron’s – which could tip the balance in his favor.
Logistics problems
During the years when Formula 1 came to France at Magny-Cours, the circuit was often caricatured as being lost in the middle of the countryside. And indeed, that’s the case. Nevers, the closest city to the circuit, is located more than 20 minutes away. However, with barely 60,000 inhabitants in the agglomeration, luxury hotels or upscale accommodations to welcome VIPs or the Formula 1 world during the Grand Prix are not really abundant. The largest city in the vicinity, Bourges, is located over an hour’s drive away in normal traffic conditions. Despite the circuit being appreciated by the drivers, its location made its organization complicated.
A lack of bling-bling
The new Grand Prix races that host Formula 1 have focused on major assets: casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment. This is the case in Miami, but also in Las Vegas and in Gulf countries. Formula 1 is intended to be entertainment, and Magny-Cours seems far removed from the concept currently enjoyed by Formula 1 organizations.
