21/01/2015
NEWS STORY
Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that there is a possibility there might not be a German Grand Prix this year.
In recent years the race has alternated between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, and with the former hosting the race in 2014 it was the latter's turn this season.
However, both circuits are in financial difficulty, especially the Nurburgring, which Ecclestone attempted to buy (twice) last year but failed.
Last week the matter appeared to be settled when the F1 supremo told Reuters... "It's going to be at Hockenheim.
"We're in the middle of doing something with them," he added. "It can't be Nurburgring because there's nobody there."
However, less than a week later, he has confirmed that no such deal has been done.
"We would do everything to stop them fading away, but in the end the only reason the race won't happen is because they can't afford to run the race," he admitted to Sky Sports News.
Of course, with Mercedes looking to defend its maiden constructors' title, the possibility of Nico Rosberg claiming the drivers' crown, Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari and Nico Hulkenberg at Force India, Ecclestone is fully aware that there will be much interest in this year’s Grand Prix. However, when asked about the possibility of Germans missing out on seeing Vettel repeat Michael Schumacher's career move on home soil and Mercedes not defending its crown in front of its countrymen, he quipped, in his usual style: "They've got one. It's called Austria."
Of course, it is unthinkable that the race won't go ahead, this is merely Ecclestone's way of doing things, especially after losing out in his bid to buy the Nurburgring.
However, it brings home the current state of affairs in the sport whereby circuits, such as the Nurburgring, Hockenheim, Monza and Silverstone, have to pay their own way, often ruining themselves in the process, whilst the newer additions to the calendar are backed by wealthy governments eager to be part of the F1 dream, no matter the cost.
"Let's not forget either that at the height of the Schumacher era Germany could afford to run two races each year, much like Spain did for a while when Alonso was king. However, in both cases, other than the money, the interest is no longer there.
Chris Balfe