French GP host welcomes potential time shift

© XPB 

Circuit Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair would welcome F1's proposal to push back the start of this year's French GP by two hours.

In a bid to boost TV ratings, Liberty Media is mulling the idea of scrapping F1's traditional 2PM race start and kicking off proceedings at 3.10PM, with the extra ten-minute offset allowing for a brief introduction and an advertisement break before lights out.

The French GP could start as late as 4.10PM however, a one-off exception to avoid the race clashing with a key FIFA World Cup match for Great-Britain scheduled on June 24, race day for the French event at Paul Ricard.

"The idea is very interesting," said Paul Ricard chief Stephane Clair.

"It would provide guests with the time to have lunch and get through traffic for their arrival at the circuit."

The Circuit Paul Ricard, located in Southern France near Marseille, last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1990 and has undertaken a number of track modifications which should get the final green light from the FIA in February.

Extensive work is also underway to upgrade and extend the venue's press room and paddock area, and install additional grandstands offering a capacity in excess of 90,000 spectators.

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