The French Grand Prix is likely to be pulled from next year's calendar owing to financial difficulties faced by the country's motorsport's governing body.

The Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile have withdrawn their backing for the race, which has been held at Magny-Cours since 1991.

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 the race," said Deschaux.

It has been reported that the FFSA expect the Grand Prix to return at a new venue in 2010. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been keen to move it from Magny-Cours, which is in a remote part of France.