Paul Ricard mentions September deadline for GP certainty

Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair has revealed the uncertainty about France’s return to the F1 calendar could drag on for many more weeks.

Prior to Nicolas Sarkozy losing the country’s recent general election, the circuit looked destined for the 2013 calendar, thereafter alternating annually with Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps.

The new government is currently reviewing the project and also considering Magny Cours as a possible host, but Paul Ricard’s Clair insisted that time will eventually run out.

"Even if we still don’t know at the beginning of September, we will have time to prepare the necessary infrastructure and market the grand prix," he is quoted by L’Equipe.

"Beyond September, it will be harder."

Indeed, more should be known by September, when the World Motor Sport Council is set to release a 2013 calendar.

"For us, late August is the ideal date, because of the weather and the accommodation capacity in the Var region," said Clair.

He also raised the interesting prospect of an alternating scheme between Paul Ricard and Magny Cours, insisting he has "no opposition in principle" to the idea of "two French grands prix".