A prominent figure behind the now-defunct French GP has dismissed calls for Formula 1 to stage its return in Paris.
Last week, Flavio Briatore, the influential advisor to Renault's Alpine F1 outfit, sparked plenty of headlines by proposing that a race in the French capital would be "magnificent."
"Not at Le Castellet (Paul Ricard) and not at Magny Cours either, where there is nothing," said the Italian. "In Paris.
"Castellet was impossible for traffic. No, Formula 1 deserves a grand prix in Paris."
The French GP last ran at Paul Ricard in 2022, with Christian Estrosi playing a central role in its organization. As the mayor of Nice, he also explored the idea of hosting a grand prix in his city.
Yet, in an interview with Le Parisien newspaper, Estrosi argued that neither Paris nor Nice represents a realistic or timely option, saying they do not "seem feasible or opportune."
When pressed on alternatives, he responded: "Le Mans, but the Bugatti circuit requires major work.
"Magny Cours is handicapped by its lack of accessibility and an insufficient hotel offering," Estrosi added.
He insists that Paul Ricard, located at Le Castellet roughly an hour from Marseille, remains the prime candidate for a French GP revival.
"This is still the best opportunity today to host the French GP again," said Estrosi.
