Hockenheim vs. Nürburgring: Nobody wants the German Grand Prix next year?
The right to host a Formula One grand prix in Germany was once a hot commodity. Both Hockenheim and the Nürburgring wanted it, and for years, both got it, with the former's event billed as the German Grand Prix and the latter's as the European Grand Prix. Both put up a fight when parallel events were reduced to one, and an alternation agreement was put in place for the Nürburgring to host in even years and Hockenheim in odd years. But in a spectacular sign of the times, it appears that nobody wants the race next year.
Hockenheim was counting on government support to pay the allegedly exorbitant fees demanded by rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, But with empty coffers, local government officials aren't willing to foot the bill any longer. All eyes were then cast upon the Nürburgring, which hosted the race just last weekend, but according to managing director Walter Kafitz, they don't have the cash to host it, either. Kafitz says the only solution would be for Ecclestone to reduce his fees, but after a meeting with the local governor was canceled in the wake of Ecclestone's recent comments, that seems about as likely as
[Source: Autosport | Image: Atilla Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
downhill.specialist 7:21PM (7/17/2009)
That last bit made me laugh, but if that trend keeps up (Japan, now Germany) F1 will run out of places to race! Until Abu Dahabi buys the rights to Formula 1 that is.
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summazooma 7:25PM (7/17/2009)
"...after a meeting with the local governor was canceled in the wake of Ecclestone's recent comments, that seems about as likely as Honda leading the championship... Mosley resigning... Ferrari failing to win a single race... well, you get the idea."
LOL. Could be one of the funniest AB posts.
Of course, I can see why dropping his fee would have Bernie imagining a particularly slick grade, since it would probably trigger other "indispensibles" demanding the same treatment and, really,... he has to cover his overhead, doesn't he? =D
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summazooma 7:26PM (7/17/2009)
Ha!... great minds thinking the same thing... or similar humor...
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Pat 8:49PM (7/17/2009)
Montreal 1, Bernie 0!
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shumotoriki 9:56PM (7/17/2009)
All part of the manufacturers' master plan!!! Next thing you know the majority of the circuits will have withdrawn, and the re-re-revived breakaway series will have the marquee circuits. Silverstone, Suzuka, Montreal, etc etc. Maybe not Monaco, but who really cares about it except rich dudes who need places to park their yachts.
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Tom Winch 1:14AM (7/18/2009)
Here's a solution: drop the German Grand Prix and add the US Grand Prix. Genius!
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senseition 3:16AM (7/18/2009)
That's right, Mr Bernie Ecclestone, drop your fees, B!7$#. Greedy old bastard.
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David Ederer 8:00AM (7/18/2009)
The Germans aren't interested, no USA GP, no Japanese GP, no Canadian GP, big teams boycotting, Mosley' s Hitler loving escapades on youtube and Bernie's Hitler loving comments, sounds like things are going to change in the F1 world.
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