Jun.19 (GMM) France's famous Le Mans circuit has emerged as a possible alternative venue for the country's formula one grand prix.

With the sport seemingly to move away from unpopular Magny Cours after this weekend's race, Paris might not be the only alternative venue, the Dutch website f1today.nl reports.

Reportedly, management of the Circuit de la Sarthe - scene of the famous Le Mans 24 hour race - may even have been in talks with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone for some months.

Circuit spokesperson Ingrid Moreau said: "As far as we know 2008 is not the last time the French grand prix will be at Magny Cours.

"We are currently not in negotiation for a formula one race."

A Magny Cours circuit spokesman added: "The reports about the disappearance of formula one at Magny Cours, I can not confirm."

Indeed, press reports late this week suggest that local bureaucracy is so determined to keep the French grand prix at Magny Cours that nearly $50 million is being pledged to improve the event.