Promoter to see French GP alternatives for ’10

(GMM) The French grand prix promoter on Thursday acknowledged the formula one race is likely to move away from Magny-Cours in 2010.

The French motor racing federation, FFSA, confirmed in a statement the event will be held next June at Magny-Cours, following weeks of speculation about the future of the unpopular venue in the central countryside location.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, however, is keen to see the French GP move to Paris, but venues including Le Mans and historic Rouen have also reportedly expressed interest in hosting the race in future.

Following a meeting on Thursday, the statement said: "The FFSA expressed its wish to see the sites interested in hosting the French grand prix from 2010 onwards presented at its … meeting in October."

The FFSA added that Magny-Cours, which has committed to improving the venue, was also a "potential candidate" to keep the race beyond 2009.