Keen not to see the world championship slip back from twenty rounds, Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that France could make a return to the calendar next year.

With New Jersey postponed to 2014, the F1 supremo faces the championship dropping to 19 races again, with the consequent loss of revenue in terms of the race fee, trackside advertising and TV revenue.

Consequently, speaking ahead of this weekend's race in India, Ecclestone has admitted that France could find itself back on the schedule despite the French government's refusal to provide funding.

Asked if the door closing in New Jersey might mean another opening for France, Ecclestone said "yes", quickly adding "we are ready to sign. We've got a pen, we're ready to sign a contract.

"Which circuit they are going to use is one thing," he continued, referring to the possibility of either Magny Course or Le Castellet hosting the event, "and who is going to pay for it. That's the bottom line. If they are ready, we can slot it in the calendar."

Of course, in view of the loss of dosh should the calendar be reduced to 19 races Ecclestone might well agree a deal in terms of the race fee.

In the past, faced with a gap on the calendar, Ecclestone has always been open to suggestions, adding a one-off event in order to keep the TV companies happy and the books balanced, the 1993 race at Donington springing to mind.