Despite having previously insisted that
Formula 1 would never more return to Magny-Cours following this year's French Grand Prix,
Bernie Ecclestone has now suggested the race will again take place at the Nevers circuit in 2009 – and possibly beyond.
The track – a fixture on the F1 calendar every year since 1991 – has never been a particular favourite amongst either drivers, teams or fans, for its difficulty of access, bland ambiance and surroundings, dearth of nearby hotels and restaurants and lack of overtaking.
Ecclestone has repeatedly stated in recent months that the 2008 edition will therefore be the last…until now.
“We've got a contract here for another couple of years,” the sport's ringmaster told international news agency
Reuters before this weekend's race around the isolated, rural French circuit. “Although the FFSA (French motor racing federation) – who are the promoters – agreed two years ago that 2008 would be the last race, now they are saying 2009 will be the last race, but I'm sure its not.”
Asked whether the race would be held again at Magny-Cours next year, the 77-year-old fired back: “I'm sure. Book here.”
The 2007 event was similarly billed as
F1's farewell to the circuit before the French Government stepped in to secure a reprieve, and Ecclestone has made clear his desire to see the French Grand Prix held in or around Paris – with Euro Disney said to be looking the most likely location – whilst Le Mans and Rouen have also been mooted as possible future venues.
“I think so but we'll have to see,” the 77-year-old said of the viability of holding the race around Euro Disney. “We have a contract so we are here. When that contract stops, we'll have to see what we can do.
“I think it (Disney) would be good. They've got hotels and the trains go there.”
In a further bid to retain the endangered grand prix, meanwhile, organisers have unveiled plans to upgrade the Magny-Cours circuit. The project – set to comprise 27 new stands, a widened pit-lane and start-finish line, a new media centre, improved paddock facilities and a greater local hotel infrastructure – has been codenamed ‘Magny-Cours 2', in recognition of the acknowledged rising standards for hosting and retaining a spot on the annual Formula 1 calendar.
