PM wants winning Frenchman on F1 grid - Boullier

Part of Francois Fillon’s plan is to see a French driver back on the formula one podium.

That is the admission of Renault team boss Eric Bouller, who has been appointed by the French prime minister to help restore a strong French presence in formula one.

Already known is Fillon’s desire to revive the French grand prix, with Paul Ricard touted as the most likely venue for an event to be perhaps alternated annually with Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps.

"This is part of a comprehensive project that includes a new awareness of France, a French driver and perhaps other things like that," Boullier is quoted as saying by L’Equipe sports daily.

"There are some assumptions that have been developed that are valid, invalid or potentially achievable. When he is sure they will come true, Mr Fillon will speak," he added.

"Everyone benefits," Boullier continued. "If there is a French driver doing podiums and winning races in F1 again, it will restore the public’s passion for French F1.

"It will work for TV, and the French grand prix will be legitimate. So everything fits," he added.

Boullier’s management company Gravity handles the career of Swiss-born Frenchman Romain Grosjean, who won the GP2 race at Valencia on Saturday.