One man who is ecstatic about the return of the French Grand Prix to the F1 calendar is the always affable and ever young Jacques Laffite.
The former Ligier and Williams driver, now aged 73 and whose career in Grand Prix spanned over ten years, believes the revived event scheduled in 2018 will have a positive impact on motorsport in France.
"For someone who loves Formula 1 and who raced many times at the Paul Ricard circuit, I'm really happy to see the return of the French Grand Prix," Laffite said yesterday in Paris.
"Today, the younger generation isn't interested in Formula 1. I've got two teenage boys and neither one watches Formula 1 which is pretty surprising given their father's history."
"The great thing about the return of French GP is the fact that it will get great exposure, and perhaps rekindle the interest of the younger generation, and bring in new young drivers."
In addition to potentially generating vocations among the youth, the event will also spur on investment from the corporate world, according to Laffite.
"This will undoubtedly motivate and encourage young drivers, but it will also provide a great opportunity for new companies to take advantage of a platform to gain brand exposure or invite their clients.
"Given its motor racing heritage and prestige, I think that in this day and age, France deserves to have a place on the F1 calendar, so I'm extremely happy. "
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