FFSA unhappy at French GP situation

Speaking in the wake of the demise of plans for a new French GP venue at Flins-Les-Mureaux this week, FFSA chief Deschaux thinks that the attitude of politicians to the venture has been wrong.

He thinks the fact that Asian countries like Singapore and Korea have worked hard to get an F1 race on the calendar is an example of how valuable grands prix can be.

"Economically, even though South Korea is mobilizing to host the 2010 Formula 1 grand prix, it is surprising that this type of event - the third biggest media event in the world after the Olympics and the football World Cup, is so denigrated in France by some politicians," Deschaux said in a statement.

"The dynamism of Asian countries is undeniable, and the willingness of some countries - like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore since 2008 and China since 2004, to host a grand prix demonstrates that this type of event is not at all, as some claim, an image of the past.

"Rather, it is a symbol of the ability of a country to host events highlighting particularly high technology."

Deschaux said the FFSA 'regrets' the fact that the French government has not done more to get the event back on the calendar.