• Circuit news

Ecclestone would welcome French GP return

The French Grand Prix last took place in 2008 © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News:
• Twenty-race season is the limit - Ecclestone
  
• News:
• Magny Cours confident of French GP return in 2012
  
• News:
• Hopes of French Grand Prix revival dealt critical blow
  

• Drivers:
• Bernie Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone would welcome the return of the French Grand Prix if a suitable circuit could be found.

The last Formula One race in France was held in 2008 at the Magny Cours circuit, which recently revealed it was hoping to return in 2012. However, one of the reasons why the event fell off the calendar in 2008 was due to its rural location and Ecclestone has made clear he would prefer a race closer to Paris.

Plans for a circuit outside the capital fell through last year, when the Flins-Les-Mureaux project hit planning obstacles and was abandoned. The Ecclestone-owned Paul Ricard circuit near Marseilles is often mentioned as a venue but it is used primarily for testing and lacks spectator facilities.

"Paul Ricard is probably one of the best in the world," Ecclestone told L'Equipe. "But we still don't have a place for a race. You know the problem.

"The grand prix has a future, but where is the promoter? I really thought the project near Paris would happen."

Ecclestone said he is open to finding a place on the calendar for France but needs to see a solid offer.

"I am ready to sign a contract as soon as possible, the very moment someone comes to me and says 'I have the money and a circuit'. I would be happy to have a race in France."

Ecclestone recently said the number of races on the calendar would be capped at 20 with the addition of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix next year. But with the US Grand Prix set to be introduced in 2012 at least two of the current grands prix would have to make way for France to return.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.