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Scandinavian Grand Prix would be huge for Formula 1 - Ericsson

A Scandinavian Grand Prix would be a huge success if Formula 1 could return to the region, believes Sauber's Marcus Ericsson

It has been 37 years since the last grand prix in Scandinavia, the sixth and final Swedish GP at Anderstorp in 1978.

With Swede Ericsson retained by Sauber, and Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas of nearby Finland at Ferrari and Williams respectively, there are three drivers from Scandinavia and the surrounding regions on the grid for 2016.

Ericsson acknowledged a Scandinavian GP would be difficult to realise, but believes the level of interest in the region would make it viable.

"I don't see it happening for a long time but it would be cool for the sport if we can have a race in northern Europe," he told Autosport.

"We have Swedes, Finns [in F1] and a lot of tradition for motorsport in Scandinavia.

"So to have a race there would be very, very good and I think a lot of people would watch it.

"As it is now, the money it costs to do a race, I don't see a country like Sweden will have the money.

"But I think for sure, there would be great interest for it."

When Ericsson made his F1 debut with Caterham in 2014, he became the first Swede to contest a GP since Stefan Johansson's final appearance in the 1991 Canadian round.

"The support I have in Sweden is great," said Ericsson.

"We didn't have a driver in F1 for 23 years before I entered the sport, so I appreciate the support.

"It's great and I can see with my results getting better, there are more people following."

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