UPDATE: Grand Prix moves to the Nürburgring for '07
When F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone announced the 2007 season calendar, Germany (like Italy) was left with one race, whereas in seasons past it hosted two: the German Grand Prix (at Hockenheim) and the European Grand Prix (at the legendary Nürburgring). After revealing that the "European" race would get the axe, negotiations began over the venue for the sole German Grand Prix: would it be held at Hockenheim as it has been for the last several years, or would it shift to the 'Ring?
Well, the results are in, and the Nürburgring will get the race next year. Beyond 2007, we could see an arrangement that has the race alternate between the two tracks, each hosting the German Grand Prix every other year, though no such announcement has been made.
UPDATE: Just such an announcement has now been made. The Nurburgring will get the race in 2007 and 2009, and Hockenheim in 2008 and 2010, after which the arrangement will presumably be revisited.
While it's a shame to lose Hockenheim for the upcoming season (at least), with more courses than races, something had to give, and the 'Ring is generally regarded as the better track.
[Source: F1i.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Charles 6:29PM (9/27/2006)
Ah yes, the legendary Nürburgring, 14 miles of natural terrain road course, over 100 corners where greats such as Ascari Fangio Moss, Clark, Stewart, Ickxand Lauda have raced.
Unfortunately the track they will hold the German Grand Prix is located right next to the "Green Hell". Still its better than whats left of the Hockenheim ring.
(apologies to Bob Varsha)
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Steve 12:22AM (9/29/2006)
Wrong ring. The track that will be used doesn't share even a single corner with the "real" Nurburgring.
The newer track used lately is nothing special. F1 has used it for years, and not the "legendary Nurburgring" as is printed above. Michael Schumacher ran his own brother off the road in the Mercedes-Benz Arena there.
Honestly, tracks don't matter all that much in F1 now anyway. The only turn left with any kick to it is Dunlop at Suzuka, due to having no runoff. Even the 130R has been neutered. The Parabolica is unmodified, but since cars have traction control now, there's no trick to it anymore. Just lay the pedal flat and drive though.
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Galley 10:49AM (9/28/2006)
The only track worse than the "new" Hockenheim Ring is Indy.
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mav 6:58PM (10/06/2006)
It's a fantastic weekend at the nurburgring
still one of the few tracks that makes you feel a part of the tiffose
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