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Sunday, 22nd June 2008

Seemingly backtracking on his earlier threats, F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone now maintains he is convinced the endangered French Grand Prix will remain at Magny-Cours in 2009...as French officials say the race either takes place there or not at all.

‘Magny-Cours 2 is essential to maintain this great international circuit at a level of excellence,” read an official circuit statement, “reflecting the position of our country, its sporting federations and athletes on the world sporting scene.'

FFSA chief Nicolas Deschaux, meanwhile, has insisted that if the French Grand Prix is not held at Magny-Cours next year, it will not be held at all.

“Today, clearly, the federation is linked until 2009 to organise a Grand Prix at Magny-Cours,” he told French daily sports newspaper L'Équipe.

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The FFSA has a contract to welcome F1 until 2011, and is due to meet on 26 June to discuss the future of the race, said to depend upon continued local government funding and the financial outcome of the 2008 event.

“On this basis the committee will decide upon the organisation of a French Grand Prix in 2009,” Deschaux added.

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