Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed media reports that France is likely to return to the F1 calendar.

Asked by Reuters if reports that France will return to the calendar in 2018 after a break of ten years are correct, the F1 supremo said: "Yes, I think it will happen".

The move, which follows years of behind the scenes efforts will see the PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur) together with Toulon and FFSA, the French motorsport association, agree a five-year deal with FOM for the race to be held at Le Castellet, formerly Paul Ricard, which is owned by Ecclestone's family trust.

Scheduled for a 2018 return, when asked the likely slot on the calendar, Ecclestone replied: "More or less sort of the German date, probably".

Details of the event's return to the calendar are expected to be confirmed on Monday at an official press conference in Paris.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by C5, 02/12/2016 19:39

"It will be interesting to learn if the hosting fees be comparable to the other tracks.

But maybe Mr. E. has gotten the local government to throw tax money at the even so he - sorry, the trust he in no way has any control over... - are virtually guaranteed not to lose money.

That said, I'm looking forward to the races there. Paul Ricard is a cool circuit."

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2. Posted by Tweek, 02/12/2016 17:56

"At least we know the French Grand Prix will be around for a while. >;)"

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3. Posted by Spindoctor, 02/12/2016 17:19

"In almost any other business this would be seen as a blatant conflict-of-interest. How on earth can Bernie justify ditching the German race (Nico's retirement won't have helped attendance) in favour of one promoted by his own family trust.

It's not clear from the piece, but appears likely that this move will prove fairly profitable for Bernie as his "Trust" will cop both a decent wedge of subsidy from the French regions involved, and FOM will also profit from the deal."

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4. Posted by Jet Jockey, 02/12/2016 16:02

"Like I said before... How convenient!"

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Ecclestone confirms return of France to calendar

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