Hockenheim Still Hopeful of 2019 F1 Slot

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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,”.

“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.

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