French GP return unlikely in 2011

France is not on this year’s F1 calendar and the situation is unlikely to change in 2011.

That is the admission of Nicolas Deschaux, president of the country’s motor racing sanctioning body FFSA (Fédération Française du Sport Automobile).

Following the demise of the Magny Cours event and then proposed alternative hosts, he blames French politics.

"There is a time for sponsorships of the government," he is quoted as saying by the L’Equipe sports daily.

"When I see (Russian prime minister Vladimir) Putin announcing the support of (Vitaly) Petrov with Lada, I see the gap is huge compared to what happens in France. The (French) government has a view on this subject that is distorted by electoral considerations under the heading of the environment," Deschaux added.

He said Magny Cours, Paul Ricard, and the Sarcelles project are the three possible venues for a reinstated French grand prix.

"I am awaiting clarification of the financial feasibility of Sarcelles," said Deschaux, who also said he is in "very regular contact" with FIA president Jean Todt.

"But I cannot predict the year of the next grand prix of France. It would be unrealistic to think it will be 2011," he added.