31/03/2012
NEWS STORY
The French Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, has confirmed that talks are underway which could see the country return to the calendar.
After several false starts, hopes for France's return to the schedule were given a boost this week when it was revealed the PM would be making a trip to Le Castellet, which hosted 14 races between 1971 and 1990.
Speaking after his visit, Fillon confirmed that talks are indeed underway. "We are working on the idea of hosting a grand prix every other year at Le Castellet," he said. "This idea was agreed by the Formula One authorities."
Though he was unable to say when F1 might return to France it is believed it could be as early as next year, with the race alternating on an annual basis with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps.
Speaking of the financial side of things, Fillon added: "The Formula One organisers' proposal is reasonable enough, but we have to make them remove the 'enough'. There is a two-million-euro gap. French state will bail for the fee but we will not go further."