Jan.16 (GMM) "The race is on" to be the venue of France's return to the formula one calendar.

That is the claim of French public television France 3, in the wake of reports suggesting the Paul Ricard circuit is poised to host the race in 2013.

But Magny Cours, the scene of the French grand prix for close to two decades until 2008, may also be in the running.

Le Journal du Centre quoted Patrice Joly, president of the conseil general of the Nievre department, as saying a theme park proposed for Magny Cours could raise enough money and develop the surrounding area in order to bring the grand prix back to the track.

Joly said the project, to cost EUR 50 million, would be completed by the summer.

Whether Paul Ricard or Magny Cours, Piero Ferrari - the only living son of the great Maranello marque's founder Enzo Ferrari - hopes France will return to the calendar soon.

"We must protect its (F1's) historic birthplace with certain grands prix such as the one in France or the races at Silverstone, Spa and Monza, where we always witness some fantastic racing," he said.

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