Saulnier Becomes New CEO of Magny-Cours

France's chances of returning on the Formula One map via a circuit of their own have received another boost in recent days, as it was confirmed that former Peugeot sportscar team manager Serge Saulnier will take over as new chief executive officer of the Magny-Cours circuit.

The move coincides with the former Formula One team owner Guy Ligier purchasing a third of the share stake in the Magny-Cours complex, having the sole aim of bringing the race track back to profitability in the next few years.

Saulnier has until now taken care of the ORECA programme for Peugeot Sport in the Le Mans-related competitions – Le Mans 24 Hours race and the European Le Mans Series. His role within the French manufacturer's organization will be taken by Sven Smeets. As far as the reasoning behind this move is concerned, Sualnier admitted it was all about taking up a new challenge.

“I came to Peugeot three and a half years ago with the goal of winning the Le Mans 24 Hours. We built the team step by step and achieved victory last year. I felt it was the end of the story for me. I needed a new challenge,” said Saulnier, according to Autosport.

Additionally, he made it very clear that his personal challenge as the circuit's new boss will be to bring back F1 within the French borders.

“Guy is blue to his heart and believes it is important to bring back the French GP. We do not think that the F1 story is finished for Magny-Cours,” added Saulnier.