Germans mull axing one F1 Grand Prix (China Daily) Updated: 2005-12-31 07:37
BERLIN: The operators of Germany's two Formula One racing circuits are
considering hosting a single German Grand Prix in alternate years to secure
their financial futures.
Germany hosts both the German Grand Prix, at Hockenheim, and the European
Grand Prix, at the Nuerburgring, but neither circuit is making the money it used
to. The Hockenheimring is struggling under heavy debts.
Walter Kafitz, general manager of the Nuerburgring told the General Anzeiger
newspaper on Wednesday that his circuit was no longer packing in the 350,000
fans that came three years ago.
"Perhaps it makes sense to hold Formula One racing in Germany alternately at
the Nuerburgring and the Hockenhemring," Kafitz said.
"That is an idea of ours. It has been welcomed by (Formula One chief) Bernie
Ecclestone," he said.
Georg Seiler, managing director of the Hockenheimring, told the Mannheim
Morgen paper on Thursday that halting Germany's hosting of the European Grand
Prix had been under consideration for some time.
He added that cooperation with the Nuerburgring was a
possibility.
|