The French Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2018 following the confirmation of a new deal to host the race at the Paul Ricard Circuit.

Automobile Club de France has signed a five-year contract which will see the event return to the schedule for the first time since 2008 when the race was held at Magny-Cours.

The Paul Ricard Circuit has a rich F1 pedigree having hosted the race 14-times in a period from 1971-1990 before Magny-Cours took over the helm.

The head of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region Christian Estrosi says the announcement is key for the growth of motor racing in the country.

“Today I can announce clearly, firmly, and finally, the return of the French Grand Prix for the summer in 2018 in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, at the circuit Paul Ricard,” said Estrosi.

“We are proud of this great return after 10 years. In 2018 it will be 10 years since the Grand Prix left the country, and this (return) is a huge victory for the men who worked for its success.

“When we know how motorsport is so popular in our country – and we are ambassadors and bearers of innovation, creation, research and development, it was for our country a real scar to lose the grand prix.

“Since then there have been several efforts – and I want to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Francois Fillon and FFSA president Nicolas Deschaux and many others who worked hard for the return of the race.”

The return of the French Grand Prix comes just weeks after F1 confirmed the loss of the German Grand Prix from the 2017 calendar.