Paul Ricard not ruling out France GP revival

Paul Ricard is not ruling out hosting a revived French grand prix at the circuit near Marseille.

This week, the track has been hosting three top F1 teams for Pirelli’s wet tyre test, but Paul Ricard chief Stephane Clair says his sights are set even higher.

"Everything is possible," he is quoted in a French-language report by the AFP news agency.

Paul Ricard, owned by a company controlled by Bernie Ecclestone’s family trust, last hosted F1 testing action in 2008.

That was the same year that Magny Cours held the country’s last grand prix, and so Clair says Paul Ricard is capable of bringing the sport back to France.

"We know we can realistically accommodate up to 50,000 people per day," he said.

Clair has reportedly already talked about the possibility with Emmanuel Macron, France’s minister of the economy.

He said one possibility is that Magny Cours shares the costs by annually alternating the French grand prix with Paul Ricard.

"It could be this taking turns," Clair explained. "There are no closed doors. We must find a financial balance."