FFSA Withdraws Funding for F1 Race in France
The Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA), France’s motor sports authority, has announced its decision to withdraw funding for the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours. The move means it is extremely unlikely the race will be on the 2009 Formula 1 calendar. The FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux explained the decision in a statement;
“After considering the economic context, the FFSA is giving up its status as a financial promoter of a Formula 1 Grand Prix. As a result, unless a promoter is found to replace the FFSA, the French Grand Prix cannot be part of the FIA’s international calendar in 2009.”
The news comes soon after the announcement by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) that the Canadian Grand Prix will be dropped from the 2009 Formula 1 calendar, leaving 17 races and two well established events missing. Magny-Cours staged the French Grand Prix for the first time in 1991 but has often struggled to attract spectators due to its remote location.
Since that first event in 1991 Magny-Cours has witnessed some great Formula 1 battles. In 2002 Michael Schumacher won for Ferrari at the circuit and, in the process, secured his fifth Formula 1 World Championship. The 2008 Grand Prix was won by Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, also in a Ferrari.
French GP May Return at Different Circuit
The removal of the race means the loss of the oldest Grand Prix in history. The very first Grand Prix was staged in France in 1906, on the public roads around Le Mans. It may only be a temporary hiatus, however. Several other circuits have been proposed as alternatives to Magny-Cours. Two of the more interesting propositions are a street circuit in Paris and a track at the Euro Disney resort. The FFSA are currently looking into the viability of holding the race elsewhere.
The Magny-Cours circuit has not given up hope of holding the French Grand Prix again. Plans have been submitted to the FFSA detailing proposed redevelopment work. Despite often producing exciting races the circuit has never been particularly popular with the Formula 1 teams, and has often been criticised for lacking in atmosphere.
It remains to be seen whether the FIA will include any additional Grands Prix on the 2009 Formula 1 calendar to replace the Canadian and French races. The loss of Magny-Cours means there is currently a three week gap between the British and German Grands Prix.
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