Having seemingly lost out in Paris, not to mention London, Bernie Ecclestone could still see F1 cars racing on the streets of another European capital, Rome.

Former F2 driver and World Superbike promoter Maurizio Flammini is pushing ahead with plans for a Formula One Grand Prix on the outskirts of the Italian capital, with the city council now said to be considering the idea.

"It's an idea Flammini has proposed and mayor Gianni Alemanno has said is possible," a city council spokesman said today, according to Reuters.

Ecclestone has long been keen on street circuits, for other than the glamour, they afford the opportunity to bring the race to the (beautiful) people rather than having to take the people to the race.

The jewel in F1's crown has long been Monaco, however, the street races in Valencia and Singapore proved popular last year, even if the backdrop for the Spanish event was more industrial than chic.

Flammini would like to see a race in Rome on the calendar in 2011, however, any circuit plan would need the approval of the FIA.

Only last week, Ecclestone confirmed that India will host a race from 2011, with South Korea joining the F1 calendar a year earlier. In the meantime, the 2009 season finale takes place at another new venue, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Ecclestone claims that despite the global economic crisis countries are queuing up to host races, and while the teams want to see a limit on the number of rounds they contest, the threat hanging over current venues, not to mention the incentive of more money, could see many more new host nations on board.

Not all are in favour of the move towards street circuits however, while many race fans are yet to be convinced, Ferrari and FOTA President Luca di Montezemolo believes street races to be little more than gimmicks.

"At least Monaco has its own history," he said last year, "but to have three or four Monacos is too much."

Meanwhile, talking of Paris, the French Senate has given the go-ahead for the construction of an F1 track at Flins, west of Paris.

With France dropped from the 2009 calendar, it is hoped that the home of Grand Prix racing could be back on the rota for 2010 at a track which would virtually adjoin the Renault production plant at Flins.

The circuit would form part of Automobile Valley, a programme aimed at reviving the economy in the area, and has the full support of Prime Minister Francois Fillon.