OCTOBER 28, 2012

French GP to return in 2013?

Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone has said in India that the French GP could return to the F1 calendar next year to fill the hole created by the postponement of the scheduled race in New Jersey.

Ecclestone, celebrating his 82nd birthday at the Buddh International Circuit, said in response to questions about a French GP: "As far as I am concerned, yes."

The questions are whether the French have the wherewithal and inclination to pay for a race, and at which circuit -- Magny Cours or the Ecclestone-owned Paul Ricard, now a high technology test track.

A deal was believed to have been agree in principle with the Nicolas Sarkozy-led French government, but unravelled when Francois Hollande won the French election.

"We've got a pen," Ecclestone said, "We are ready to sign. If they are ready we can slot it into the calendar."