French Sports Minister Questions F1 French Grand Prix Deal

Valerie Fourneyron, order the newly appointed France sports minister has questioned the French Grand Prix possibly returning to the country in 2013.

Under the previous government a deal was close to being signed which would have seen the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France alternate hosting the race with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

However, the Socialist party was voted into government earlier this month and it is thought they favour the race returning to Magny-Cours – if at all.

“There was a remarkable acceleration on a potential race return,” Fourneyron told French radio station RMC.

“We need to have transparency on the issue, on the financial costs and on the seeming lack of concern by the F1 boss (Bernie Ecclestone) for the environment.

“There are major accessibility problems to the Castellet circuit (Paul Ricard) and all this deserves more than 10 minutes of debate.

“We are not opposed to the race, but are not sure we will see a race in France next year.”