The French Grand Prix could return to the calendar as early as 2012, or rather, that’s the hope of Magny-Cours chief executive, Serge Saulnier.
The country lost its race in 2008 after they failed to meet the financial requirements demanded by FOM and Bernie Ecclestone.
“We stopped in 2008 because neither the General Council of Nevers nor the Regional Council of Burgundy could come to a decision [on funding]. Last time they each put up 3 million euros (£2.5m),” he told L’Équipe.
However, Saulnier revealed that several changes to the track and the surrounding area could see the pinnacle of motorsport return.
“The A77 motorway between Paris and Magny-Cours will be opened in the coming weeks and we will also open new covered grandstands at the Adelaide Hairpin, with the roofs being equipped with solar panels.
“We have also had an enlargement of the pit-lane,” he confirmed.
The financial outlook also looks better as Saulnier is confident that an adequate package will be sorted by mid-2011 to allow for racing to return in 2012.
“We should have our financial package sorted by June 2011,” the Frenchman concluded.
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