Ecclestone expects F1 to be at Magny-Cours in 2009

Magny-Cours looks sure to host the French Grand Prix again in 2009 and possibly for longer, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday.

"We've got a contract here for another couple of years," he told Reuters before the race at the rural French circuit near Nevers.

"Although the FFSA (French federation) agreed two years ago that 2008 would be the last race, now they are saying 2009 will be the last race but I'm sure it's not."

Asked whether he expected the race to be back at Magny-Cours in 2009, he replied: "I'm sure. Book here."

Ecclestone said last month that the French GP would be held this year for the last time at the circuit and looked forward to moving the race to a venue closer to Paris, possibly from 2010.

Last year's race was also billed a farewell to Magny-Cours, unloved by teams and sponsors because of its poor road access and lack of hotels and restaurants, but the French government stepped in to secure a reprieve.

Ecclestone said he was still hoping for an eventual move to the capital.

Disneyland Paris remains the favoured option, with plenty of hotel rooms and easy rail access from Paris and the rest of Europe.