F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone Says Series Will Not Return France's Mangy-Cours Circuit

F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "has indicated" that the series "will not return to France unless an adequate replacement for the unpopular Magny-Cours circuit is found," according to Pete Gill of SKY SPORTS. France has not "hosted a race since 2008." Magny-Cours replaced the Paul Ricard circuit as the home of the French GP in '91. While the track itself "received mixed reviews," the venue’s rural location -- "slap bang in the middle of nowhere," according to former Red Bull driver Mark Webber -- "proved a turn-off for supporters and protagonists alike." As the sport "contemplates new adventures across the globe a return to a remote outpost isn’t on Ecclestone’s agenda." He said, "There isn’t a good circuit in France. We left France because it didn’t work for anyone. France could get support to hold a race but where it is, nobody is excited by it" (SKY SPORTS, 6/18).