Tuesday, June 26, 2007

French bleu

As the Formula 1 circus is busily setting up their garages in the French countryside. It has been announced that this year’s Grand Prix will be the last held at Magny Cours for the foreseeable future. Which is a shame since I was once told by a pair of Brit’s that this was a truly great venue and should definitely be attended.

Yet Magny Cours seems to be too far removed to motivate casual F1 attendees to its much underdeveloped facilities. Especially when Emperor Bernardoe is busily seeking higher (Dinero) profile venues. And although France claims it’s only taking a year off of the Formula 1 calendar. It seems very hard for one to reclaim its calendar slot these days.

Then again Canada and Belgium have pulled this feat off after paying Bernie’s highly exhortative sanctioning fees upon re-writing the venues contracts. As both circuits lost their dates over financial wrangling involving the loss of Tobacco money!

And although Mr. Muppet wants an event nearer Paris, this currently seems unlikely. With both Euro Disney and a Monte Carlo-ish street race along the Champs-Elysees being ruled out, it will be hard for France to save its race…