German GP organisers mull Bernie's Hockenheim decree

15 January 2015 07:01

German Grand Prix organisers were taking stock Thursday of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's declaration that Hockenheim and not Nurburgring will stage this season's race.

Recently the German GP has alternated between the two circuits, with Hockenheim staging last season's race won by Nico Rosberg in a Mercedes.

But Ecclestone told British media that "it's going to be Hockenheim" that stages the July 19 leg of the 2015 F1 championship.

"We take note of what Mr Ecclestone has said," Nurburgring spokesman Pietro Nuvolini told AFP subsidiary SID.

"We would be delighted if there was a race this year at Nurburgring," he added.

"But a Formula One race must be financially viable for the organisers."

The circuit in Rhineland-Palatinat, which is under new ownership, has been dogged by financial problems for some years and does not have an existing contract with Ecclestone.

Over at Hockenheim the track's marketing director Jorn Teske told German daily Cologne-Express: "We have a deal with Mr Ecclestone for 2016 and 2018, nothing for this year. If a concrete offer is made, we'll examine it."

Source: AFP