By IANS
Paris : Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has apparently performed a U-turn on the future of the French Grand Prix after a meeting with the country's new prime minister, reports Sky Sports News.
The 2007 race, held three weeks ago, was widely anticipated to have been the last at Magny-Cours, with Ecclestone then saying: "There is no future for Magny-Cours, 2007 will be the last race at this circuit."
But, following a meeting with Francois Fillon Tuesday, a Formula One spokesman announced: "He (Ecclestone) agreed in principle to maintain the race at Magny-Cours in 2008, and even 2009, if there were no other alternative."
Located in rural France near Nevers, Magny-Cours has never been the most popular of destinations since it first hosted the French GP in 1991.
The track has consistently suffered from poor attendance, and has also had problems relating to both ease of access and accommodation.
Despite Ecclestone's desire for the French GP to be held closer to Paris, the apparent lack of a suitable venue meant the French federation had appeared resigned to losing the race.
But the federation announced last Friday their renewed determination to continue organising the event until their current deal with Ecclestone expires in 2011.
The announcement added their hope that Magny-Cours could continue to host the race if local and regional authorities could help the race break even until a new venue could be found.