From GMM
France's motor racing federation has pulled its backing of the French grand prix.
The Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA) announced in a statement that the race, scheduled for June next year at Magny Cours, has been cancelled "for reasons linked to the economic situation".
The FFSA met this week with potential organisers of an alternative venue to Magny Cours, with Bernie Ecclestone openly favouring an event near the capital Paris.
The F1 chief executive is no fan of the remote Magny Cours circuit, which earlier this year committed to a substantial renovation package.
But FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux explained that a reprieve on the 2009 calendar, to also not feature Canada in its final form, is unlikely.
"If a promoter is not identified to succeed the FFSA, the France GP cannot figure in the FIA international calendar in 2009," he is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.
France's motor racing federation has pulled its backing of the French grand prix.
The Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA) announced in a statement that the race, scheduled for June next year at Magny Cours, has been cancelled "for reasons linked to the economic situation".
The FFSA met this week with potential organisers of an alternative venue to Magny Cours, with Bernie Ecclestone openly favouring an event near the capital Paris.
The F1 chief executive is no fan of the remote Magny Cours circuit, which earlier this year committed to a substantial renovation package.
But FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux explained that a reprieve on the 2009 calendar, to also not feature Canada in its final form, is unlikely.
"If a promoter is not identified to succeed the FFSA, the France GP cannot figure in the FIA international calendar in 2009," he is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.