In a meeting on Monday, new FIA president Jean Todt told the French prime minister Francois Fillon that formula one is important to the country.
After a constant presence dating back to 1955, the French grand prix was missing from the calendar in 2009, and it will not be run again in 2010, apparently for financial reasons.
The French sports publication L'Equipe quoted Todt as saying the Monday talks were about a "potential new circuit" and the "importance of a French grand prix".
"There are at least three sites that could accommodate the race now: Le Mans, Magny Cours and Paul Ricard," the Frenchman added.
However, Todt acknowledged that it is not within the "role of the FIA president" to select the site for races.
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