Ecclestone dashes hopes of F1 returning to France in 2015
Bernie Ecclestone denied recent statements by Serge Saulnier, who suggested that France was a strong candidate to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix next season.
Just over a week ago, Serge Saulnier, one of the officials of the Nevers-Magny-Cours circuit, reignited the hope of a return of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in France by announcing ongoing negotiations with the FOM, led by Bernie Ecclestone, who holds the commercial rights to the F1 World Championship.
« We are still in negotiations with the FOM. Indeed, we are candidates for a date in 2015, but for now, nothing is signed, » Saulnier had thus confided to Infosport+.
But during the Monaco weekend, Bernie Ecclestone tempered, even dampened, hopes for the resurrection of a French Grand Prix in Formula 1. Asked if France was on the list to join the 2015 calendar, he replied: « No. They’re knocking on the door, but I don’t think we can do it. »
If France is thus not expected to make its return to the calendar, like Austria this season, the Formula One Circus could make a stop in a new country, recently mentioned in recent weeks, Azerbaijan. The Briton thus confirmed his statements from earlier this month: Yes, it’s settled. It will take place next year.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be another street circuit on the calendar, which will be laid out in the streets of the capital Baku, although its design is yet to be determined.
