The news not only casts doubt on Paul Ricard’s future on the calendar and his hopes of keeping the French race, but also gives F1 a bargaining chip in its negotiations over a new deal for the Monaco GP .
A French GP in Nice would give the category a new high-profile event just a few kilometers from the Principality.
Domenicali spoke about Nice’s bid in an interview with a journalist from the French newspaper L’Equipe .
“Historically, France has been an important nation in motorsport,” he said. “They may not know it, but there is an amazing project with Nice, which wants a grand prix. It’s great as it shows that other destinations in that country are interested in F1.”
“We are going to look at the applications and study them carefully. Other things could come very soon. All I can tell you is that at the end of July you will know more about the future of your grand prize.”
Along with Belgium, France is one of the races that could be toggled on a rotating calendar, as F1 tries to fit all the new events on the calendar while staying within traditional European markets.
A third US race has been confirmed for Las Vegas for 2023, while Kyalami (South Africa) seems almost certain to return in April next year after Domenicali met with the South African government earlier this week. China is also expected to return to the calendar and be held at the end of the season.
“The calendar for next year is being prepared,” he told L’Equipe. “Having 30 grands prix would not be reasonable. Our preferred option would be to keep 23 or 24 races.”
“And to achieve this, depending on the demand, we are going to work on a rotation basis, not only for Europe, but also for other countries.”
“I’m back from South Africa, because we’re a world championship and Africa doesn’t have a place on the calendar at the moment. That has to change.”
“Negotiations are progressing and I think we will have an answer soon. To have a race there while Lewis Hamilton is still racing would be great.”
Asked about F1’s controversial relationship with South Africa, he said: “We never considered leaving Saudi Arabia [after this year’s attack]. I think it would be a political and a sporting mistake. The race was fabulous with that duel. between Charles and Max. And I think F1 has a role to play there.”
“It can drive change. In fact, the Saudi minister of sport will tell us in the coming weeks the progress made and we will share this information with the teams and the drivers. Leaving that country would have increased their isolation. You cannot change an old culture in a single year.”
