Plans to put France back on the F1 calendar are "on track", the government has confirmed.
Just before the weekend, the Paris daily Le Figaro reported that Paul Ricard is likely to host a formula one race in September of 2013.
After that, the event will reportedly alternate annually between the Bernie Ecclestone-linked circuit and Belgium’s fabled Spa-Francorchamps.
The deal has been supported at the highest levels by the Francois Fillon-led French government.
It is "on track", the source at Matignon, the prime minister’s official residence, said in a French-language AFP media report, adding that officials are working to "finalise the feasibility and financing" of the project.
The source added that there is the "political will" and the "desire to get things done quickly".