New hope for Magny-Cours

For weeks it looked as though Magny-Cours would lose its place on the Formula One calendar. Now the organisers have been given new hope: Formula One promoter Bernie Ecclestone has given the "Circuit de Nevers" a stay of execution, until 2009 at least.

"Adieu, Magny-Cours": drivers, teams and fans had been prepared to bid farewell to the 4.411-kilometre race track in the French province last weekend. However, it now looks as though Formula One will once again get the green light to stop in Magny-Cours in 2009. Referring to the fact that the circuit still has a valid contract with Formula One, Ecclestone feels it is likely that it will remain on the calendar.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen welcomes the new development. "Personally, I love Magny-Cours, as I can do without the glamour. I like the paddock. Because there is nothing else to do, everyone stays here in the evening," says the German. "From a business point of view, of course, it is different, because it is not possible to put the Formula One marketing machine into practice here. At any rate, it is better than not coming to France at all."