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The Hockenheim circuit authorities believe that it is possible to book a place on the 2019 F1 calendar. They feel that their chances have been boosted by the success of this year’s edition of the German Grand Prix.

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Inspite of the fact that there is a high German presence, in the form of Mercedes, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Hulkenberg, the German GP has struggled to establish itself as a popular and financially viable race in recent years.

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Between 2008 and 2013, Hockenheim and the Nurburgring alternated as the German GP venue. However, Nurburgring’s financial situation grew worse.

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Fortunately, this year’s race at Hockenheim was quite a success, with 71,000 race day fans. This was 20% more than the average attendance from the five F1 races in the last 10 years.

With the Nurburgring uninterested in negotiating with Liberty regarding hosting a race next year. Hockenheim could host its first back-to-back GPs since the 2005/06 seasons.

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“Logically, we’re negotiating,” Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler said.

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“We have not written off Formula 1. We want Formula 1.”

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With no new races on the horizon, Germany could find a place for 2019 without presenting a new logistical challenge.

Seiler said, “Our intention is not to step into the breach just because a place is available in the calendar in 2019,”.

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“We would like to bring about a long-term solution”.

F1 commercial chief Sean Bratches said that they were still keen on a German race. However, he also mentioned that Germany, Britain and Austria posed unique challenges. This is because they are not underpinned by government support.

The Nurburgring is not in a position to commit to F1’s hosting fees long-term, although it retains its desire to have a grand prix and even floated the possibility of a race on the Nordschleife.

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Other circuits like Oschersleben and Lausitzring are not A-list venues, while the Sachsenring is a bike circuit.

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Could Hockenheim still be there next year? Source: ThisisF1

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Dhruv George

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Dhruv George is EssentiallySports’ foremost authority on motorsport and a founding member of the outlet’s NASCAR desk. A Journalism graduate fluent in English and French, he brings over eight years of motorsports journalism experience covering everything from high-octane NASCAR battles to the finesse of Formula 1 and MotoGP. His extensive paddock access has earned him exclusive interviews with top names such as Know more

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