The Nurburgring, BMW, Mercedes come to the rescue of the German GP

Walter Kafitz, director of the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, refuses the idea of seeing his country removed from the Formula 1 calendar.

The Nurburgring and Hockenheim alternately host the German Grand Prix, but it has emerged that without state support, Hockenheim will no longer be able to host a race after 2010.

The Nurburgring wishes to continue organizing races in the future, Kafitz told the German news agency SID: « The situation of the Hockenheim circuit puts us in a position that is worse than theirs. »

He revealed that, even in the absence of Hockenheim, the Nurburgring would seek to secure a new contract, which would cover a period starting in 2011, in order to host Formula 1 every two years.

« We consider that organizing a race every two years is a good compromise for the region and for our finances, » concluded Kafitz.

As for the two German car manufacturers involved in F1, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, they want to keep their GP on the calendar.

« Germany is an important market for BMW, where we have many fans, » said a BMW spokesperson in the German press.

« Formula 1 must not lose its traditional races. A solution must be found. »

Canada and France have disappeared from the 2009 calendar as the sport seems to be increasingly turning towards Asia and the Middle East.

Norbert Haug, director of Mercedes added: « Of course, we want German fans to have at least one Grand Prix in Germany, especially since until 2007, they had two with the European Grand Prix. »

There are currently five drivers who hold German nationality, which is a quarter of the grid, while Toyota is based in Cologne.