With the recent announcement of the withdrawal of Renault engines at the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season, French motorsport is at its worst. The end of the power unit at the Losange, in the premier category, once again removes visibility for France. But yet, certain elected officials and actors are not ready to let go, in order to keep this passion alive. On Wednesday October 9, Pierre Gosselin was elected as the new president of the French Motor Sport Federation, for a four-year term, by the Elective Assembly, to the National Olympic Committee.
In an interview given to our colleagues at Figaro Sport, the latter explained the importance of the presence of international championships on French soil. At the end of the contract with Liberty Media, at the end of the 2022 campaign, France is no longer on the Formula 1 calendar, despite a significant number of spectators. The single-seater is also not the only project of the new president of the FFSA. The WRC is missing, the last round of the World Rally Championship was contested in Corsica, in 2019. A paradoxical situation since many French drivers are entered in these categories.
Without government help, no return possible
In a second part of the interview, Pierre Gosselin emphasized the importance of the government's interest. Without the help of regional communities and the government, the project could not yet see the light of day. Despite these obstacles, the president of the FFSA does not lose his temper and remains positive about the return of these two flagship disciplines of motorsport.
“The reinstatement of the French Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar and the return of the World Rally Championship to France are the main priorities. We need to organize a Grand Prix in France, and it is feasible. Without financial guarantees from the State, no project can succeed. This is a serious blow for us, but I understand the industrial logic behind this decision. France is a great rallying country, with legendary drivers like Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb. We are working to return to the WRC calendar.”
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In Brief
Recently at the head of FFSA, Pierre Gosselin, new president, announced clear objectives for future years. According to his words, he is aiming for the return of the French F1 Grand Prix as well as the WRC.
