Argentina could host F1 race in 2010

MONACO (AP) -- Argentina could host a Formula One race from as soon as 2010, according to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone said Saturday that discussions were ongoing with representatives of the Argentine government and that a race could be held there either next year or 2011 if the two sides can reach an agreement.

"As soon as they give us a yes, the sooner we can have the race there," Ecclestone told German news agency DPA from the Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday. "I'm in serious conversation with somebody who wants to put the race in Mar del Plata."

Ecclestone said that he was engaged in direct talks with a representative of the government and not the national motoring federation.

Buenos Aires held a grand prix 20 times between 1953 and 1998. The last was won by Michael Schumacher.

Ecclestone couldn't confirm whether the race would be held on an urban circuit at the Atlantic resort city of Mar del Plata or return to the at the Autodromo Oscar Alfredo Galvez in Buenos Aires.

A return in 2010 would coincide with Argentina's bicentennial celebrations.

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