The French Grand Prix will return to the Formula One calendar in 2018, with reports suggesting the race has secured a five-year deal.

France last hosted an F1 race in 2008, when Magny-Cours' 18-year stint as host circuit came to an end for financial reasons.

However, it was announced on Monday that the race would be making a comeback, with Circuit Paul Ricard near Marseille - host of 14 grands prix between 1971 and 1990 - the chosen venue.

"Today I can announce clearly, firmly, and finally, the return of the French Grand Prix for the summer of 2018 in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, at the Circuit Paul Ricard," said former motorcyclist and current president of the regional council Christian 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 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."

Estrosi dedicated the return of the event to the memory of Nice-born Jules Bianchi, who died in July 2015 after a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix nine months earlier had put him in a coma.

"I have a thought for our Nice driver Jules Bianchi, who has passed away," he added. "I want to dedicate this comeback to him. My thoughts are with his family, to his dad.

"I also want to think of others I have not known but who contributed to the success of French motorsport, such as Jean Behra, who remains for us a great figure of motorsport."