NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Palmer to build new circuit in France

Jonathan Palmer, the father of 2016 Lotus racer Jolyon, is working on plans for a new and modern race circuit in France.

Jonathan Palmer, the father of 2016 Lotus racer Jolyon, is working on plans for a new and modern race circuit in France.

Absent from the F1 calendar since 2008, the French grand prix was last held at Magny Cours, an unpopular venue due to its uninteresting and remote location.

But Briton Palmer, a well-known race circuit magnate with his company Motorsport Vision, has now acquired a former French and US air force base in Laon-Couvron, Aisne.

France's Auto Hebdo said the Aisne department is located just a few dozen kilometres from Paris.

Palmer, who raced in the 80s for teams including Williams and Tyrrell, will reportedly start work on the circuit in 2017.

And Aisne Nouvelle, a local publication, said the facility is expected to open in 2018.

"This is a site that has a future," Dr Palmer said.

Neither publication mentioned the possibility of the venue hosting the French grand prix.

(GMM)