Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team. 29.07.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Belgian Grand Prix, Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, Sprint Day.
Esteban Ocon is delighted with recent speculation that the Formula 1 French Grand Prix could potentially be revived, stating it’s “the best news probably of the year.”
The French GP returned to F1 after a 10-year hiatus in 2018 at the Circuit Paul Ricard but the event was only held four times before being absent again on this year’s calendar.
However, last month, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged his support behind the country vying to secure a permanent place on the F1 roster.
Ocon, who forms one half of an all-French line-up with Pierre Gasly at the Anglo-French Alpine team, believes it is imperative that his nation hosts an F1 grand prix.
“It’s awesome news,” Ocon said. “For me, that’s the best news probably of the year.
“There is a lot of people involved who are trying to find solutions, people that pushed for the return of the grand prix back in the day.
“It is good to see things are moving in the right direction. We should have a French Grand Prix, we are a big motorsport nation, we have big manufacturers.
“We have a fully French team, with drivers as well, so it would be awesome to see it coming back.”
George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W13 at the start of the race. 24.07.2022. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, French Grand Prix, Paul Ricard, France, Race Day.
Macron has supposedly handed Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi and FFSA President Nicholas Deschaux the opportunity to conduct talks with F1 and Liberty Media.
The pair have also reportedly been entrusted to conduct a feasibility study, but no venue has been pinpointed provided the French GP’s return receives the green light.
A street circuit in Nice has been touted as an option, having previously been under consideration when the future of the Monaco Grand Prix was in danger.
“Honestly, if there’s a French Grand Prix anywhere, I’ll take it,” Ocon added.
The French GP had previously occupied a place on the F1 calendar since the World Championship was formed in 1950, running continuously up until 2008.
During that time seven different circuits held the event, concluding with the Magny-Cours venue that had taken on the rights to host the grand prix from 1991.
Keyword: Ocon: French GP return rumours ‘awesome news’