Ecclestone agrees to keep the French GP

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has agreed to keep the French Grand Prix on the calendar next year at Magny-Cours, a spokesman for French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said.

Ecclestone and Fillon met yesterday.

"He (Ecclestone) agreed in principle to maintain the race at Magny-Cours in 2008, and even 2009, if there were no other alternatives," the spokesman said.

The Magny-Cours circuit near Nevers in the heart of rural France has suffered from weak attendances due in part to poor access, insufficient accommodation and the lack of French drivers and sponsors.

Ecclestone said this year he would prefer a venue nearer to Paris. The French federation (FFSA) said in a statement published last Friday they were determined to organise the race until the expiry of a contract with Ecclestone in 2011.