Wednesday 28 Oktober at 12:27 : Oct.28 (GMM) Jean Todt has confirmed that he will support France's efforts to return to the formula one calendar.

Recent host Magny-Cours did not organise the race in 2009 for "economic reasons", and efforts to date to establish alternative venues have not yet been successful.

In August, the president of France's motor racing federation Nicolas Deschaux said he thought electing Frenchman Todt as FIA president "could make our job" of reviving the grand prix "easier".

As Todt was voted in last week, Deschaux was named as a member of the new World Motor Sport Council.

Todt said in a French language interview with Agence France-Presse that the status of the French GP is already the subject of "discussions with our friends at the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA)".

He also said talks will take place with government officials, adding that: "I hope that France again has a grand prix."

The author of F1's annual race calendar is Bernie Ecclestone, and the F1 chief executive recently told the Le Parisien newspaper that it has been difficult so far to restore a French grand prix.

"I've sent a contract to them and it hasn't been sent back," said the Briton, revealing that 2013 looks the earliest date for a Paris race, and that Paul Ricard is another possible venue.

"It's a shame, because it's going to get harder to find a spot on the calendar. They need to act quickly because time is short," added Ecclestone.