Ecclestone to meet France GP officials

Jan.30 (GMM) A meeting Between Bernie Ecclestone and top frnech sporting officials today could signal another step towards France's return to the grand prix calendar.

Ecclestone is scheduled to meet in his London office with David Douillet, the French sports minister, and Nicolas Deschaux, the president of the country's sanctioning body FFSA.

Also present, according to the Le Journal du dimanche newspaper, will be Gilles Dufeigneux, who last year was appointed directly by French prime minister Francois Fillon to lead efforts to arrange the race's comeback.

France's plan, involving the Paul Ricard circuit, is to alternate an annual grand prix date with the fabled Belgian grand prix venue Spa-Francorchamps beginning in 2013.

As well as being responsible for the annual F1 calendar, Ecclestone co-owns Paul Ricard.