N?rburgring refuses to go full-time
14 July 2009
A shadow has been cast upon the future of the German Grand Prix as the N?rburgring has said that it will not be taking full reigns of the event after Hockenheim's requested departure from the F1 calendar. The two venues are currently hosting the race on an alternating basis, although the Grand Prix is set to have no home for 2010.
With Hockenheim due to the host the race next year, local authorities - which own 96% of the venue - have already announced that ?6m losses from 2008 cannot be sustained; with the council no longer assisting and administrators at Hockenheim seemingly stranded in finding a solution, general assumptions would place the German Grand Prix at the N?rburgring for the second consecutive year although the Eifel-located track has said that it would not be happy with this arrangement, as the current deal is a stronger financial proposition.
Hockenheim looks unlikely to return to the F1 calendar
Hockenheim looks unlikely to return to the F1 calendar
"We are definitely not available for next year, we are planning only for 2011," N?rburgring manager director Walker Kafitz told Autosport, adding that only a cutback in its race hosting fee from commercial rights holder Formula One Management (FOM) may persuade a change of mind. "Bernie (Ecclestone, head of FOM) could manage it but I cannot imagine that he is willing to accept my wish."
Although his circuit may not be willing to fill the breach under current circumstances, Kafitz is keen to see the sport remain in the country. "I can't imagine having no F1 year in Germany," he continued. ""I am very optimistic that we can get Germany a solution for every year."