The month of February 2023 opened with great news for Jean Alesiwith the former Ferrari driver nominated General manager of the circuit ‘Paul Ricard’, located in the locality of Le Castellet. However, while on the one hand the 58-year-old from Avignon enjoys the prestige of this new job, on the other the winner of the 1995 Canadian GP already has to face considerable problems. Among the most significant, for example, is the exclusion of the track from this year’s Formula 1 calendar, contrary to what happened last season.
Returning in 2018 after eighteen years of absence, i.e. since Magny-Cours became the seat of the French GP in 1991, for Alesi there is a clear responsibility for the second failed reconfirmation of the Paul Ricard, synonymous with the exclusion of another European GP historic like the French one: “The problem of Formula 1 in France it is not the circuit, but the politics – he told Autosport – it is probably the only F1 GP that has never been seen by a President, except at Magny-Cours once, when François Mitterrand attended as part of his political wish for the race to take place there. Since then, that hasn’t happened again. The problem is not the circuit, but the desire of the country. My other job is that of Formula 1 Ambassador, so my link with the Circus is direct, without beating about the bush, and they are very clear about it. F1 probably has 32 countries around the world applying to host races. The last Grand Prix we had here, last year, was very, very popular with the people. So it’s a shame to lose it.”
Moreover, the French Grand Prix still holds the record for the oldest motoring event in the world. Even before the birth of F1, the event was held for the first time in 1906, also recognized by this title. With the arrival of F1, the race was not held in 1955 following the tragedy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year, and from 2009 to 2017: “It’s not a problem for F1 to have a Grand Prix in France, France is to blame Alesi added. part of my new role will be to send a letter to request a meeting with the president of France, but I don’t know if this will happen. If that were to happen, and we could get the GP back, I’d be the happiest man alive! If I went to the Elysée and talked to Macron, it would be much more useful than putting pressure on anyone else”.
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