Grapevine: French GP plans centenary parade

With that first Grand Prix taking place on the circuit of the Sarthe in 1906, French motorsport president Jacques Regis has said he is keen to capitalise on the significance of this year's French GP.

"The FFSA (the French motorsport federation) is to dedicate this year's race to the Centenary and make it one of the outstanding events of 2006," he said. "France has seen its Grand Prix on the Formula One World Championship calendar since the creation of the World Championship in 1950.

"It has continued to be an important element in motorsport ever since, building on its strong sporting, industrial and cultural inheritance within the sport.  This Grand Prix Centenary is a good opportunity to educate the younger generations in their motor racing heritage.

"Together with the ACF we are planning an historic Formula One car exhibition and a parade in Paris early in June. As we are still awaiting authorisation from the Prefecture and Paris City Hall we cannot yet announce the location of the festivities, but it will be a fabulous tribute to the history of motorsport, and through our efforts, people who have not had the opportunity to witness a 'Grand Prix de France' will have the chance to discover the sport."

As well as the events in the build-up to the French Grand Prix, the FFSA have also confirmed that there will be a special concert at the race this year.

"A festival would not completely be a festival without music," added Regis. "I am therefore delighted that Roger Waters, one of the creative geniuses behind Pink Floyd, will play 'THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON - LIVE' with the exceptional participation of Nick Mason on the drums.

"Roger Waters specifically created this event for the 100 year anniversary of the first Grand Prix de France. This spectacular concert, unique in France, will be a stunning show at Magny-Cours."