Sorry, I wasn't aware about the spectator and access problems that Paul Ricard faces that were pointed out in that article.
The reason I would prefer the race to go to Paul Ricard instead of Le Mans is that Ricard is a much faster/more flowing/more exciting/better circuit than the Bugatti. Bugatti would just be like the Hungaroring - mickey-mouse and impossible to pass at, and not pleasurable for either drivers or fans.
Of course that would all change if the race was held on the full Sarthe circuit
... Why the FIA have such a problem with F1 running on longer circuits I don't know, but I sure wish they would change their philosophy on them, and soon...
Both have their plus sides: Ricard has Ecclestone's blessing and is one of the most modern tracks in the world; Le Mans has the history and the name.
There's no doubt that there needs to be a French GP on the calender, but any replacement for Magny-Cours should be thought about carefully.
Here's the three track maps, so you can make up your own mind:
Paul Ricard
Le Mans Bugatti
Le Mans Sarthe
BTW, sorry about the Paul Ricard image being cut in half, don't know why that's happening
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