MAGNY-COURS, France, June 22, 2008 (AFP) - The French Grand Prix will return to Magny-Cours in 2009, Formula One commercial ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone said Sunday.

The troubled future of the French circuit in rural central France has been at the centre of many rumours for months, but Ecclestone confirmed it will remain on his calendar.

Ecclestone said: "We´ve got a contract here for another couple of years so I am pretty sure we will be back. The local promoters said this might be the last race, but now they are saying that will be next year.

"I am sure it will be on the calendar and it will be here again."

Intense speculation in recent weeks suggested that Ecclestone was adamant this year´s race would be the last run at Magny-Cours.

Ecclestone was said to favour a move to Paris, but he has been unable to find a suitable alternative venue.

And Ecclestone admitted that his hands were tied over the choice as he was ready to honour his contract with the French Racing Federation (FFSA) for them to organise the French race in 2009.

"We don´t want to come here but our hands are tied because we have a contract," Ecclestone said.

He added: "If you look at other events the paddock is packed with people, here it´s empty. We were practically promised a six-lane motorway directly linking Place de la Concorde to the paddock, ten five-star hotels, 25 three star hotels and they never surfaced."

The Magny-Cours circuit in central France has been much maligned for its comparative lack of hotel infrastructure and traffic problems.

FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux has insisted that if there is a French GP in 2009 it will be in Magny-Cours and not elsewhere.

The French body, who have a contract to organise the event until 2011, will meet next Thursday to decide whether or not to register the French race in the calendar next year.