BERLIN, Feb 29: Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone wants to see Paris host a Grand Prix in 2009 rather than Magny-Cours, it emerged Friday.

“I hope we will be able to put something in place in Paris. We need a site for the French Grand Prix as we won’t go back to Magny-Cours,” Ecclestone told German sports news agency SID.

“The government has understood. We had originally decided not to go back to Magny-Cours this year,” said Ecclestone, in allusion to past criticism of the venue for its comparative lack of hotel infrastructure and traffic problems around the circuit located in central France.

“A Grand Prix in London or Paris would be better for spectators and television,” Ecclestone insisted, while admitting that London did not seem to be a viable option at present.

“But I hope an agreement with Paris for 2009 is possible,” said Ecclestone, as he targets a calendar ultimately comprising 20 Grands Prix, up from the current 18.—AFP