Following the announcement on Friday that Dorna Sports have extended their contract with PHA and Claude Michy to secure the future of the French GP on the calendar until 2026, the promotor of the event have announced a new deal with l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest that will see the race remain at Le Mans until 2026.
It’s perfect timing for the double contract extension, with the 2018 Grand Prix de France marking the 25th edition of the event organised by PHA.
"We are proud that Carmelo Ezpeleta and his team at Dorna Sports have renewed their confidence in us and are allowing us to continue this wonderful adventure for the next 8 years,” says Claude Michy, promotor. “For us, everything started at Le Mans in 1994, and after 21 editions organised at the Sarthe circuit – the 1996 to 1999 editions were organized at Paul Ricard – we couldn’t conceive of subsequent events being held at another circuit. Our close collaboration over many years has allowed us to appreciate the ACO's sports organisation and to meet people passionate about the sport. This extension with the Western Automobile Club is the logical way to go forward.”
"The 2018 French GP is in full swing today and tomorrow at the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans, and it’s great news that the party is set to continue,” says Pierre Fillon, President of the l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest. “Claude Michy – promoter of this Grand Prix since 1994 – and Dorna have renewed their agreement and the Bugatti circuit will host this magnificent event on the World Championship calendar until 2026. Since 2000, the collaboration between Claude Michy and Dorna has been a success, with hard work paying off and everything in perfect harmony. More than ever, the Bugatti circuit is a bike circuit, made for riders and fans. I wish everyone a fantastic 2018 event before many more to come.”