.::John::.
Starting XI
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French GP saved
The 2004 French Grand Prix at Magny Cours will take place after being reinstated into the calendar by the FIA, motorsport's governing body.
The race was to be axed due to lack of cash, leaving France without a Grand Prix for the first time since 1955.
But a reprieve was won after a meeting between FIA president Max Mosley, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and F1 team bosses.
It means an unprecedented 18th race will be added to the calendar.
Previously under the terms of the sport, written in the Concorde Agreement, the season was limited to 17 races and France lost their place to Canada for the 2004 campaign.
The World Motor Sport Council had given organisers hope of rescuing the race, when on December 12 they said the Grand prix would be held if:
Motor racing's governing body the FIA received confirmation that a contract had been put in place between Ecclestone's Formula One Management and the French motor racing authorities (FFSA)
All the teams in the F1 championship agreed.
Negotiations then began between the FFSA and local authorities and private companies to try and find the missing seven million euros required to stage the race.
Earlier on Friday, Mosley, Ecclestone and team bosses admitted the French race's future was top of the agenda at their meeting.
"The meeting will talk about the final calendar," revealed Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt.
"And if I had to bet then I would say there will be a Grand Prix in France."
18 races
French GP saved
The 2004 French Grand Prix at Magny Cours will take place after being reinstated into the calendar by the FIA, motorsport's governing body.
The race was to be axed due to lack of cash, leaving France without a Grand Prix for the first time since 1955.
But a reprieve was won after a meeting between FIA president Max Mosley, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and F1 team bosses.
It means an unprecedented 18th race will be added to the calendar.
Previously under the terms of the sport, written in the Concorde Agreement, the season was limited to 17 races and France lost their place to Canada for the 2004 campaign.
The World Motor Sport Council had given organisers hope of rescuing the race, when on December 12 they said the Grand prix would be held if:
Motor racing's governing body the FIA received confirmation that a contract had been put in place between Ecclestone's Formula One Management and the French motor racing authorities (FFSA)
All the teams in the F1 championship agreed.
Negotiations then began between the FFSA and local authorities and private companies to try and find the missing seven million euros required to stage the race.
Earlier on Friday, Mosley, Ecclestone and team bosses admitted the French race's future was top of the agenda at their meeting.
"The meeting will talk about the final calendar," revealed Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt.
"And if I had to bet then I would say there will be a Grand Prix in France."
18 races