F1: French surrender their GP for 2009. Organizers pull the plug on money losing event

I'm sure Bernie Ecclestone will have no problem peddling this race in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE or another place that is apparently the future of Formula 1.

Yesterday, the organizers of the French Grand Prix decided they don't want the race in 2009 because it won't make money. The full story is here.

Below is the 2009 schedule as recently announced. The demise of the French race leaves a significant hole (June 21 to July 12) in the series' new 17-race calendar.

France has been on the F1 schedule for every year but one since 1950.

2009 Formula One calendar:

Australia 29 March
Malaysia 5 April
Bahrain 19 April
Spain 10 May
Monaco 24 May
Turkey 7 June
Great Britain 21 June
** France 28 June ** Cancelled

Germany 12 July
Hungary 26 July
Europe (Valencia) 23 August
Belgium 30 August
Italy 13 September
Singapore 27 September
Japan 11 October
China 18 October
Brazil 1 November
Abu Dhabi 15 November