French GP organisers still hoping for 2008 race

NUERBURGRING, Germany, July 20 (Reuters) French Grand Prix organisers hope to keep their race on the calendar next year despite Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone saying it has no future at Magny-Cours.

The French federation (FFSA) said in a statement after an executive committee meeting in Paris that they were determined to organise the race until the expiry of a contract with Ecclestone in 2011.

It added that the entry for next year's French Grand Prix would be confirmed for Magny-Cours if local and regional authorities provided more money to the federation to help the event break even.

In addition, the federation was looking for a new venue for future years.

''The FFSA Executive Committee has decided to implement a search for sites with a view to durably ensuring the future of the French Grand Prix,'' the statement said.

It said it was looking at ''innovation, financial viability and a bid to obtain partnerships between the private and public sectors which are indispensable for this type of event.'' The Magny-Cours circuit, near Nevers in the heart of rural France, has suffered from weak attendances due in part to poor access and insufficient accommodation.

Despite Renault being champions for the past two years, there are no French Formula One drivers and few French sponsors.

Ecclestone would prefer a venue nearer to Paris: ''There is no future for Magny-Cours, 2007 will be the last race at this circuit,'' he said earlier this year.

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