Pierre Gosselin, the newly elected president of French motorsport, has outlined his ambitious agenda for revitalizing the country’s presence in international racing, with the restoration of the French Grand Prix and the return of the World Rally Championship (WRC) as top priorities.
In a candid interview with Le Figaro Sport, Gosselin expressed his determination to bring these prestigious events back to France, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
Since the French Grand Prix was last held in 2022 at the Paul Ricard circuit, the event has been absent from the Formula One calendar for 2023.
Gosselin, who took office for a four-year term on October 9, remains optimistic about the potential return of the Grand Prix, emphasizing that organizing such a major event is feasible.
“We need to organise a Grand Prix in France, and it’s feasible,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to re-establishing the nation’s foothold in the elite motorsport arena.
However, Gosselin recognizes that securing governmental support is critical to the success of this endeavor.
“Without state financial guarantees, no project can succeed,” he acknowledged, highlighting the necessity of governmental backing in overcoming financial constraints that currently plague the motorsport sector.
As of now, Gosselin indicated that there is no formal commitment from the government, but he remains hopeful that discussions will lead to a favorable outcome.
The shifting landscape of Formula One, with its growing focus on non-European venues, poses additional challenges for Gosselin’s plans.
The movement of the sport’s centre of gravity away from Europe has led to increased competition for hosting rights, making it imperative for France to present a compelling case for the return of the Grand Prix.
In a further blow to French motorsport, Renault’s recent announcement that it will cease supplying engines for its Alpine team by the end of 2025 has created additional obstacles for Gosselin’s ambitions.
“It’s a serious setback for us, but I understand the industrial logic behind the decision,” he remarked, acknowledging the complexities involved in maintaining a competitive motorsport ecosystem in France.
Beyond Formula One, Gosselin is keen to revive the World Rally Championship, which last featured a French event in 2019 with the Corsica Rally.
He stated, “France is a great rally country, with legendary drivers like Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb. We’re working on returning to the WRC calendar,” demonstrating his commitment to celebrating the rich history and talent within French rallying.
Gosselin’s vision for French motorsport reflects a broader desire to enhance the country’s profile in the global racing community.
By focusing on collaboration with government entities and leveraging France’s rich motorsport heritage, he hopes to reinvigorate national interest and investment in the sport.
As Gosselin embarks on this journey, he faces the dual challenges of securing financial backing and navigating the evolving landscape of international motorsport.
Nevertheless, his passion for French racing and determination to bring world-class events back to the nation underscore a promising future for motorsport in France.
Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how Gosselin’s plans unfold in the coming years.
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