High-Speed Revival: F1 Eyes Return to German Circuits
Apr.10 - German Formula 1 circuits are hoping the sport throws them a lifeline in 2026.
Currently, with motor racing financing and fan interest having slumped in the country, neither Hockenheim nor the Nurburgring are on the bustling annual F1 calendars these days.
However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has been quoted by DPA news agency as hinting that a potential solution could be on the horizon.
"In 2026 you will see something interesting," he said. "We are discussing with organisers in Europe to do something that will be announced soon."
Without elaborating much further, Domenicali added: "There will be many grands prix, especially in Europe, where we have different options."
It is believed one of those options could be a new scheme in which two or even more European events are rotated annually between single annual race slots.
Jorn Teske, the circuit boss at Hockenheim, admits that idea could revive the defunct German GP.
"We assume that Formula 1 is generally interested in Germany as a market," he said. "We were, are and remain in contact with Formula 1 and are always exploring joint possibilities.
"We generally think very highly of a rotation model because it has proven itself in the past with our colleagues at the Nurburgring."
Nurburgring spokesman Alexander Gerhard commented: "The be-all and end-all for us is the economic viability of an event.
"We are pulling together with the Hockenheimring," he admitted.
Meanwhile, a delegation from South Korea - including the mayor of the city of Incheon - was at the Japanese GP last weekend for talks with Domenicali.
"I would like to thank Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok for personally attending the Japanese GP and actively expressing his intention to attract Formula 1," said the F1 CEO.
"I will travel to Incheon as soon as possible to hold further discussions."
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Domenicali's words don't hint at all toward either Hockenheim's or Nurburgring's return, both of which are doubtful.
Spa-Zandvoort is the most likely duo for bi-annual rotation, albeit Monza-Imola is also a viable combination, but I struggle to see a viable event for alteration with Hockenheim or Nurburgring.
If South Korea were to return someday with a new temporary circuit, I wouldn't mind, although neither do I wish for South Korea's return, so I'm indifferent about this prospect.
Its ridiculous that two of the Germans most successful and world reknown Automotive companies will be competing in F1 in 26 , anmd yet no Home Race, as ive previously said, they need to get together buy both tracks and run them as The Mercedes the Audi GPs of Germany, and share the race fee for each race but Russians own the Ring, and Hockenheim owned by the local state government, so Hockenheims the one that VW and Merc should buy, but i guess they arent bothered about home market, probably the Chinese and American market gives them more profit than home market, a shame but Heh , its business
The Russians may be pleased to get some cash!