The Public Interest Group (GIP) met this morning to discuss various topics. Nearly a year after the announcement of the renewal of the French Grand Prix at Le Castellet, the debates were heated.
For several months, the French Formula 1 Grand Prix has been generating more discussion off the track than on it. At stake is a debt between 27 and 32 million euros to be repaid, which is causing considerable frustration.
An audit report was presented to the members of the GIP, chaired by Christian Estrosi. This report, conducted by two independent firms, apparently identified several anomalies. These anomalies, the nature of which was not explicitly mentioned, do not seem to be linked to any dysfunctions or misconduct. The report reveals that “the weight of the annual contributions from members, while still significant, does not cover all the annual expenses related to the cost of the event.”
Several suppliers of the Grand Prix have still not received their payments. Christian Estrosi attempted to clarify this situation to the press. “To honor their contractual commitments with partners in the Southern region, the Regional Council and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis decided to make advance payments on their financial commitments to cover part of the liabilities. These advances, granted by the Region and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, allowed for the payment of numerous GIP suppliers. To date, several suppliers are still awaiting payment of their invoices, more than a year after the last edition of the Grand Prix at Le Castellet. This situation is untenable and completely unacceptable.”
The dissolution of the GIP takes time
Awaiting a more complete report from the two firms in charge of the audit, Christian Estrosi and Renaud Muselier emphasize the necessity to dissolve the GIP. The president of the Southern Region even states that he has gone “beyond his duties in this matter, referring to the repayment of the deficit. The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis has also fulfilled its obligations. It is time for everyone to do their part and end this.”
The mayor of Nice is more outspoken towards certain stakeholders. “The dilatory tactics of some members should not continue. Like the Southern Region, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis does not intend to remain indefinitely in a group where some founding partners want to reap the benefits without taking responsibility.”
For now, the GIP has still not been dissolved, even though it has no missions to carry out since last summer. As for the audit report, it has been sent to the Public Prosecutor.
