The deal behind the return of the French GP

F1 Racing: How hard has it been to get the French GP back on the Formula 1 calendar?

Christian Estrosi: It's taken many years. Different elements were essential, such as having a circuit, a great working group, and support from French drivers, a French team, and other French figures involved in F1. And, after the failure of different projects, it was necessary to have Bernie Ecclestone's confidence. The hardest thing was to keep this project secret. It all started just after my regional election, and I set out on it with part of the team who had participated in the two previous attempts to bring the race back, and with advice from Eric Boullier and Cyril Abiteboul, two important French individuals in F1 [at McLaren and Renault]. Having convinced all communities to make the financial commitment necessary to pay the Formula 1 board, we proposed it to Bernie. It happened in October 2016 at the FIA in Geneva. After 10 minutes discussion, we agreed, with a handshake. Eric explained to me that Bernie needed to be convinced that on a such project, there was a leader with decision autonomy. In France, communities can have this level of freedom and we've proved it.

F1R: How long will it remain at Paul Ricard?

CE: As long as possible! Bernie offered us a three-year contract, but how could we ensure training, attract companies, develop roads and create a collective dynamic in this short space of time? We negotiated, I asked for a five-year contract, and Bernie accepted it.

F1R: What is your view of holding a street demonstration in Marseille ahead of the race? Might fans go there instead?

CE: This kind of event is more than beneficial. F1 hasn't evolved in France for 10 years and in our region for 28 years. It was essential to relaunch it, to recreate a link with fans. For us, it was essential that the population of the region, who participated in F1's return, are immediately in contact with these incredible machines. F1 is a sport of excellence and performance, but a sport which needs engagement with the general public.

F1R: Has Paul Ricard been developed for spectators?

CE: Thanks to the dynamism of the circuit owners and its general manager, Stephane Clair, with the GIP (Public Interest Group, organiser of the French Grand Prix), we've completely redesigned the circuit to accommodate 65,000 spectators. We've gone from 5,000 stadium seats to 51,000 and raised the quality of seating.

F1R: How will you manage traffic to the circuit?

CE: We've been working for months with the state services on the traffic plan: we're going to create a ring road that will allow the traffic to flow, serving the 25,000 parking spaces. Shuttles will also be available from 15 places in the region, and we've created a special route for the people working at the circuit.

F1R: What have the negotiations with Liberty been like?

CE: We're a historic race, but also new in 2018. Liberty are also newcomers, so we've been able to work with a certain freedom to propose things, to become a reference grand prix. They want to introduce a new tone to F1, to rejuvenate it. In our case, on the Thursday, we've created a special day for all children in our region, from 8 to 17 years old. More than 10,000 will be at the circuit to discover or rediscover F1.

F1R: Will there be any changes to the circuit? Perhaps removing the chicane on the straight?

CE: We want to increase the opportunities for overtaking. The chicane on the Mistral straight should allow that. After the race, we'll welcome feedback to improve in the future.

F1R: How can you make the race sustainable to avoid it falling from the calendar in the future?

CE: We must create an event that delights spectators and teams. We want to revive the passion for F1 in France and engage our region. In terms of economy, for example, we estimate the race will bring €65million to the area.