French Grand Prix Axed
Formula One president Bernie Ecclestone has once again shown his ruthlessness which shows no room for loyalty as he announces that 2008 will be Magny-Cours last F1 race.
The F1 supremo has been indecisive over the French Grand Prix venue, he originally announced back in May 2007 that the facilities in Magny-Cours were deemed not good enough for the F1 race to be staged there. He later had a change of heart and gave the circuit one last stay of execution which allows this year's race to be staged at the venue, but the organisers will now be well aware that it will be their last.
The door has still be left open for the French Grand Prix to return with French Prime Minister telling Ecclestone that France could have a grand prix in Paris or just outside but 2009 would be too soon, therefore 2010 would be a more likely year for it to return.
The omens look good for this return with Ecclestone saying “I would really love a French Grand Prix in the streets of Paris”, and we are sure he isn't the only one.
If the economy gets any worse there wont be a GP in any country soon.
Can't you guys realize what he is doing? He axed the Australian GP then now the French GP, why? Because Dubai and Abu Dhabi WANT IT! Soon the Monaco Grand Prix will be the only European GP! The funny thing is that Dubai and Abu Dhabi want the GP just because they CAN afford it or simply because the Monarchs think that a Formula 1 race is just another luxury item in their man made city. I certainly don't think they want the GP for investment reasons. They just want to be able to say "...we have it...". Also, like spyshot said, the economy is not very well especially in the Western world.
I don't really think that Ecclestone will ever go as far as to scrap venues like Monza or Montmelo. or even if he secretly wants to, he's pretty damn old already... today, he's simply moving on with the strategy of making a mere business out of F1, just like he did for 15 years. he goes where the money is, it's as simple as that. still, bringing the races closer to (or right into) the big cities is not only good business, but also a good show - personal opinion. Magny-Cours is a bit in the middle of nowhere in France, so it doesn't really help anyone. besides, being able to watch night races and not wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning suits me pretty well.
And doubtlessly if he doesn't get a Grand Prix in the streets of Paris it will be back to Paul Ricard (a circuit he owns) in 2010...