Tuesday 24 April 2012

French Grand Prix confirmed on 2013 calendar

Bernie Ecclestone has said the return of the French Grand Prix is a done deal.

Reports over the weekend said authorities had "finally agreed" a figure for the sanctioning fee with the F1 chief executive and Ecclestone confirmed the news on Sunday.

Paul Ricard circuit
"The deal is done," he told L'Equipe. "We agreed the financial terms with the sports minister David Douillet, in my office on Tuesday. We are still discussing a few things about money: 'You give me this, I want that'. But, for me, there is no doubt, we will sign it now."

The Ecclestone-owned Paul Ricard circuit is expected to share an annually-alternating grand prix date with Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps, beginning in 2013.

Ecclestone added that the outcome of the forthcoming presidential elections in France will not spoil the deal.

"Whatever the outcome, I don't care," said Ecclestone. "That's a local issue that doesn't concern me."

If the race does go ahead next year it will be the first French Grand Prix since 2008 when the event was held at Magny-Cours.

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