MAY 26, 2014

Ecclestone says no to Magny Cours return

Bernie Ecclestone gave a clear "no" when asked if France is on the brink of returning to F1.

A week ago, former grand prix venue Magny Cours' boss Serge Saulnier told Infosport: "If the will of a number of people is confirmed in the coming weeks, we are very close (to returning)."

He said Magny Cours, located a remote 250 kilometres from Paris and absent from the calendar since 2008, is heading for a comeback race next year.

"We are still in negotiations with FOM," said Saulnier, referring to F1's commercial rights company that is run by chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

But in Monaco, when Ecclestone was asked about those French reports, the Briton told Reuters: "No.

"They'll knock at the door but I don't think we can do anything," he added.

(GMM)