During a meeting with French Prime Minister Francois Filion on Monday, FIA President Jean Todt pointed out the "importance" of putting the French Grand Prix back onto the Formula One calendar.
Due to economic issues, the Magny-Cours circuit did not host the traditional event this year, making 2009 the first season since 1956 without a French round.
Failing a replacement location, France remains absent from the 2010 calendar as well. Several projects are aiming to revive the Grand Prix on planned new circuits, but there exists much debate on the matter.
Todt confirmed to AFP that while meeting with Filion, he discussed the opportunities regarding the construction of a new venue but insisted "on the importance that the French Grand Prix remain on the calendar, which isn't the case at present.
"I find that it would be a shame if France did not have its Grand Prix," Todt said, adding that "Losing such a prestigious international event could have economic consequences" on his native country.
But building a new circuit will take some time and Filion - well known to be a racing fan - suggested several months ago that an existing track might welcome the French round in the meantime.
"There are at least three which could host the race in France," Todt indicated on Monday, naming the Le Mans, Magny-Cours and Paul Ricard circuits.
However the FIA President pointed out that it is not his role to determine where the next French Grand Prix should eventually take place.
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Le Mans is great and I have been many times - but it is not a modern F1 circuit - wold be great to see the F1 boys go down the Mausane straight though
very important for F1..france is home of FIA and should host the F1
has spa been totaly closed to all raceing.includeing track days.
It think Todt is taking a more positive approach in resolving issues within F1, restoring the French Grand Prix, I personally would like to see Le Mans host the F1 race on the 13 plus km circuit and now with refuelling banned next year, their will be no need to stop for fuel, so the 13 plus km circuit shouldn't be a problem as long as pieces of broke debris doesn't puncher any tyres. But I do believe that this cirxuit is one of the best in the world, and I am sure the FIA will be able to find the volunteers needed to help with the running of this event, cause of the length of the circuit. I am pleased to see that Canada will return next year, and South Korea will make it's first appearance. Love him or hate him, I believe Todt will bring in unity and peace within that unity, don't hold against him the time he spent at Ferrari. Keep an open mind about him and his methods of leading the F1 series, he will get things done and not play politics as Max did.
SIX, the problem with Spa is not financial but legal. Local residents have had the circuit shut down because of noise.
Let's see, Bernie won't pay to host a GP, so Paul Ricard is out. Magny-Cours has no money, so a no there. So a return to the original Mickey Mouse track then!!! Or how about a race on the short Charade Circuit? That's quite challenging!
even as a brit I have to wish Todt all the best - I don't know what political stuff has gone on before to get the calendar the way it is, but France is the home of motor racing and must be represented, both Italy & the UK have major history & investment in F1 too, so must also have a race guaranteed - spain.... why 2 ?
bruceF1lee you talk a load of @#$%
bruceF1lee you talk a load of @#$%
As long as he does the same for the British Grand Prix, and the under threat Belgian Grand Prix and German Grand Prix. Perhaps he can do something about getting Spain back to only having one Grand Prix (no Valencia suits me), and forces Bernie in to doing more about what is right for the fans.
Not in five minutes and Mr Toady starts off viva Le France, not saying that he shouldn't Viva them, but I hope he is saying the same baout the British GP
I Can Smell - $HITE - !!!!!!
was it not strange - that both "ron dennis" & "jean todt" were both in the " abu drabi " paddock !!
max was only gone by a day or 2 ???
It's a pity Max wasn't such a patriot, you can't fault Todt on that front. I wonder how long it is until he starts to favour Ferarri though, A man with such strong ties to one team should not be in charge of the FIA, Ari Vattenan would have been a more balenced and unbiased man for the job I believe.
So it begins
Strange he has nothing to say about the GB GP; you would have thought now he's an international representative of motor sport he would be more balanced
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