Initial enthusiasm to revive the Grand Prix was high, but as manufacturers cancelled their entries, the French Automobile Club (ACF) had to cancel its plans. It did, however, support the AC de la Sarthe et de l’Ouest (forerunner of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest) who offered to hold an event in its stead. They had organised the original Grand Prix in 1906, outside of Le Mans. This alternative “Grand Prix de France” used a new 55km triangular circuit to the south of Le Mans. But after this race too was postponed a fortnight more entries drifted away leaving only fourteen starters, the media cynically tagged it as "Grand Prix des Vieux Tacots" (The Old Crocks’ Grand Prix). Only FIAT (Victor Hémery) and Rolland-Pilain (3 cars, led by Fernand Gabriel) brought works cars.