The French Senate has approved a bill amendment giving permission for the construction of a Formula One circuit near Paris, the sports daily L'Equipe said.

The move, initiated by a group of four senators, is designed to fast-track preparations and overcome bureaucratic obstacles for a French Grand Prix in 2011 at Flins-sur-Seine, in the department of Yvelines, about a forty minute drive from the French capital.

France, although an historic home of Grand Prix racing, will not feature on the 2009 or 2010 calendars following the demise of the Magny-Cours event as well as the alternate project at Disneyland Paris.

"If the construction and organisation is conducted in a timely manner, it is possible that a Grand Prix can be held in France from 2011," the senators said.

They argued successfully that returning to the F1 calendar should be part of France's recovery from the economic situation.


Still pending is a major financial sponsor for the project, and the approval of F1's Bernie Ecclestone and the governing FIA, L'Equipe pointed out.

It is also suggested that while supported by Prime Minister Francois Fillon, the project is opposed by many individuals and local stakeholders, who staged a protest last weekend.

Pierre Bedier, president du conseil of Yvelines, however, has already established a support committee for the project, entitled 'Yvelines F1 - La vallee de l'automobile' (Valley Automobile).

Source: GMM
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