French Grand Prix could be scrapped

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The Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA) announced on Wednesday that it has withdrawn its backing for the race, which has been held at the Magny-Cours circuit since 1991.

"For reasons linked to the economic situation, the FFSA have decided to cancel the French Grand Prix, scheduled in the FIA Formula One Championship for June 26, 27, 28, 2009," read an FFSA statement posted on the French Grand Prix's official website, www.gpfrancef1.com.

"The FFSA would like to thank all the clients who were present at the France Grand Prix and who supported this international event in these last years. The FFSA would like to apologise to everyone for the inconvenience."

The future of the French Grand Prix has hung in the balance for a number of years, with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone keen to move the race away from the Magny-Cours circuit, which is based in a remote part of the country.

Ecclestone revealed in May that the 2008 race would be the last at the unpopular circuit, but the event appeared to be handed a reprieve when it appeared on the official calendar for the 2009 season released by the FIA last week.

But Wednesday's announcement has plunged the future of the race back into serious doubt, and FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux admitted there would be no reprieve for the 2009 race if an alternative backer failed to materialise.

"After studies in the context of the economic situation, the FFSA have renounced themselves as the financial promoter of a Formula One GP of France," FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux said in quotes reported on the L'Equipe website.

"In consequence, and if a promoter is not identified to succeed the FFSA, the France GP cannot figure in the FIA international calendar in 2009."