French GP set for mid-year date in 2018

The return of the French Grand Prix to the F1 calendar will likely be scheduled around the mid-year period, according to race promoter Christian Estrosi.

The Circuit Paul Ricard, supported by the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur region, the Var department, the city of Toulon and the FFSA, will host the event based on a five-year deal with F1.

Estrosi met with F1 CEO Chase Carey at the Monaco Grand Prix for talks centered around the slot allocated to the event.

"In our conversation, I paid particular attention to the choice of the date for the grand prix, because it depends largely on the success of the race," Estrosi told French weekly Auto-Hebdo.

"We are now discussing the period from late June to mid July, and now FOM and FIA will offer us a specific date," he added.

"As soon as it becomes known, we will begin selling tickets."

• Portimao looking to bring F1 back to Portugal

Estrosi said Carey is also keen to ensure that each country's grand prix accurately reflects the local culture.

"Chase wants the grand prix at Paul Ricard in the first instance to be truly French," he said.

"He wants the Spanish grand prix to reflect Catalonia and Barcelona, Italy to reflect Milan and Lombardy, and so on.

"He wants a national character and I really like his proposed approach," said Estrosi.

Want to win a trackday experience? All you have to do is subscribe to our FREE newsletter HERE

Gallery: All the pictures from Sunday in Monaco

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter