Todt Confident French GP Will Go Ahead

Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt is confident that Formula One teams will agree to keep the French Grand Prix on the calendar when they meet in London today.

Todt is among the team principals due to meet F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley to decide whether to back an unprecedented 18th race on the calendar and one at which tobacco advertising is banned.

"The meeting in London will talk about the final calendar and if I had to bet then I would say that I think there will be a Grand Prix in France," said Frenchman Todt.

The confidential Concorde Agreement governing the sport's business affairs lays down a limit of 17 races and the French race lost its slot to Canada for the 2004 season.

French organisers had to agree a deal with Ecclestone to cover the costs of an 18th race.

However the Burgundy region, due to contribute two million euros ($2.50 million) as part of financial guarantees for the additional race, has had its budget rejected by opposition politicians and another vote is not expected before the end of January.