Speaking to the French press about the prospect of the French GrandPrix moving to a race through the streets of Nice, the one-time GP winner simplycan’t see it coming to pass, even if street races are all the rage at themoment. “Street tracks, we see them a lot, especially in Formula E(electric single-seaters) where free practice, qualifying and the race areconcentrated on a single day. In F1, that is not really a strong trend. In theMiddle East (Saudi Arabia, Qatar), with colossal means, it is above all aquestion of promoting a place, a country,” Alesi told Nicematin. “The same for Miami. I was there. In fact, it isn’t a realstreet circuit because the track goes around an American football stadium, onthe outskirts. Finally, to answer your question, quite frankly, in France, inItaly, I have a hard time imagining an F1 race in town.”
Monaco has a special status, a place apart
The other race that was in question, was the legendary Monaco Grand Prix and Alesi is not confident giving an opinion at this stage of contract negotiations. However, as we explained in our previous article, there are several reasons why the Monaco GP will be renewing their contract. “Monaco has a special status, a place apart because it is an atypical and historic circuit which has regularly hosted F1 since the creation of the world championship (1950). I don't know how negotiations are going at the moment, so I can't give my opinion, “Alesi added. As previously stated , the Paul Ricard track is not popular with either drivers or fans. Situated far from anything, fans face long queues getting in and out of the area. A few years ago fans were forced to miss the race because they couldn’t reach the circuit after being stuck in a traffic jam for hours on end.
Green Access needed to access Paul Ricard Circuit
Things are better to some degree now; however, you must have a green pass to attend as stated on the Grand Prix’s official website: “In order to guarantee fluidity to all spectators, reduce the waiting time in their vehicles and reduce our carbon footprint as part of our sustainable development approach, access to the Paul Ricard circuit will be limited to 9,000 vehicles. To access the circuit Paul Ricard by vehicle, spectators will need to have a Green Access and present it at the various checkpoints. To obtain this Green Access , there are 4 possibilities: Use alternative transport included in your ticket Carpool and be at least 4 spectators in the vehicle Use a 2 or 3-wheel mode of transport Participate in the financing of alternative modes of transport by paying an eco-participation and park at the Circuit Paul Ricard”
Despite all of this Alesi is confident that therace won’t be leaving the Paul Ricard circuit if this year’s race, which likeall races in the 2022 season is a total sellout, is a ‘great success’. “As for the Grand Prix de France, I trust theGIP (Public Interest Group) in place. There is no doubt that the next deadlinewill weigh heavily in the balance. It will condition the future. If the 2022 race(July 22-24) is a great success, sporting and popular with fans, we can reallyhope for a favourable follow-up event,” he concluded.
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