Amid France’s push to return to the F1 calendar, it appears Magny Cours is not yet out of the game.<\/p>\n
Prime minister Francois Fillon, however, has earmarked Paul Ricard – the well-known test circuit at Le Castallet near Marseille – as the host.<\/p>\n
But it was Magny Cours that hosted the French grand prix between 1991 and 2008.<\/p>\n
The local Nievre department’s president Patrice Joly last week accused Fillon of “bias in favour of Le Castellet” for the 2013 deal.<\/p>\n
He said Magny Cours has “all the facilities, infrastructure and expertise needed to organise such an event”.<\/p>\n
Championing Magny Cours’ renewed push to host the 2013 French grand prix is Guy Ligier, the now 81-year-old Frenchman who once had his own formula one team based at the circuit.<\/p>\n
“I am trying to lend a hand,” he confirmed to the sports daily L’Equipe.<\/p>\n
“I have had Bernie (Ecclestone) on the phone several times, as a friend, and have asked for his advice.\u00a0 We talked about the hotel business around (Magny Cours).<\/p>\n
“He said to me, ‘Guy, I know you’re in the know.’<\/p>\n
“I have a feeling that Bernie is not going to sign anything before he knows the outcome of the presidential election.<\/p>\n
“I’ll tell you honestly what I feel: nothing is lost for Magny Cours,” added Ligier.<\/p>\n
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