Alpine driver Esteban Ocon has hailed French President Emmanuel Macron's backing for the country to return to the F1 calendar as 'the best news of the year'.
The French Grand Prix featured in every F1 season from 1956 to 2008 at a variety of venues before falling off the calendar, only to return with the Circuit Paul Ricard hosting its revival from 2018 to 2022.
But the event has again been left on the sidelines, though there is hope another return to the schedule can be enticed with a street event in Nice touted as a prime candidate.
Macron, whilst not committing to a return to the calendar, has backed the idea and ordered a feasibility study into whether an event would be worthwhile.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also previously stated he is open to discussing the potential return of the French Grand Prix with Macron, who is set to remain in office until 2027.
"It's awesome news. For me, that's the best news probably of the year," Ocon told media including RacingNews365.
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Ocon – France should have a Grand Prix
"There is a lot of people involved who are trying to find solutions, people that pushed for the return of the Grand Prix back in the day," added Ocon.
"It is good to see things are moving in the right direction. We should have a French Grand Prix, we are a big motorsport nation, we have big manufacturers.
"We have a fully French team, with drivers as well, so it would be awesome to see it coming back."
On whether he would prefer a traditional venue or a street circuit, Ocon replied: "Honestly, if there's a French Grand Prix anywhere, I'll take it."
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