France (Marseille) returns to Formula One calendar in 2018
The French Grand Prix will return to the Formula One calendar in 2018, following a ten-year absence from the championship.
The race will now return to its original Circuit Paul Ricard home for a number of 5 years, although no definitive timescale was given. It was originally held at the Circuit Paul Ricard, in southern France, from 1906 until 1990. It was then moved to the central Magny-Cours racetrack until 2008, when it was dropped entirely with organisers citing financial difficulty as a reason.
The Circuit Paul Ricard, fully renovated, is owned by the family trust of Formula One commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone.
65,000 to 75,000 spectators are expected for the 1st year. Marseille Provence airport is 1h drive from the circuit.