Some say the French aren’t that mad on cars, but nearly 260,000 people attended the 24 Hours of Le Mans last weekend and the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet will be full to its 65,000 capacity for the French Grand Prix on Sunday. So what’s the story? With both their headline events taking place in the space of a week, Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO and Christian Estrosi, president of the Grand Prix de France public interest group are perfectly in tune, seizing the opportunity provided by the race schedule to promote French motorsport.

“There seems to be an anti-car attitude in this country, but I think it’s more a feeling than anything else,” says Pierre Fillon. “Look at all the fans who attend races or watch from home. The fan-base isn’t shrinking. However, I do believe we need to attract more young people. We need to address our relationship with new generations, which is why we have introduced e-sport. Motorsport is sport, it’s leisure, but it must also serve technology and support an industry. Le Mans is, and always has been, a testing ground. Formula One also uses new technology. The link between tracing and road cars must remain. And environmental considerations are more important than ever, and our regulations reflect that. For the event itself, our task is more and more complex. The problem is not confined to motorsports, it affects all major events. Security constraints and the threat of terrorism make everything more difficult. Employment law also does not have the flexibility required to fulfil the requirements of a major, yet short-term, event. I think that’s an issue that needs addressing because it doesn’t make our life easy. That aside, I think motorsports are as popular as ever.”

Christian Estrosi agrees. “I would add that the constraints on major sporting events are much greater than before. Fifteen years ago, we didn’t have the virtuous policies that we have now in terms of ecology, the need to decrease CO² in cities and manage transport, with better policies etc. Manufacturers, event organisers and local authorities all realise that. Everyone is working together on technological progress. As for the generation gap, it’s up to young people to shun the nostalgia and conservatism of their elders. And they are happy to do so. Training programmes in the automotive fields are in huge demand. I think we have something very special in France and we shouldn’t be ashamed to make this country a major player in motorsports because it can create jobs. And it also shows us to be innovative and dynamic.”

An interesting reflection on last weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans and the French Grand Prix next weekend.

Photo: Pierre Fillon on the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting grid.

Photo : Christian Estrosi sur le circuit du Castellet.