The Sludge

This year’s German Grand Prix may have to be cancelled unless the debt-ridden Hockenheim circuit receives an immediate financial transfusion, according to a report in the Mannheimer Morgen newspaper.

Last December it emerged that Hockenheim – which spent 65 million euros on a major revamp at the end of 2001 – was facing an operating loss of 1.5 million euros for 2006.

Accountants warned that the circuit could go bankrupt as early as this April unless it consolidated its current debts.

Hockenheim mayor Dieter Gummer has denied that the situation has reached crisis point and claims that there is still time for a solution to be found.

But there seems little doubt that the race is hanging by a thread and that Gummer is holding out for assistance from the regional government.

If this is not forthcoming, Hockenheim would be unable to afford the hosting fees paid to Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management company, which rise by 10 percent per year.

The Belgian Grand Prix was cancelled last week when it became clear that improvements to the circuit’s facilities demanded by the FIA could not be completed in time for this year’s race.

NUTS RuS

iTrader: (35)

Silverstone is not far behind it either

The Sludge

yes i have heard that as well. Shcoking aint it. Berni and max make all the wedge and everyone in the sport suffers

COMEDY DAN

Germany is cancelled....

foreigneRS

they should think about reducing the bloody ticket price to get spectator numbers up then

Redkop

Spa was cancelled a few weeks ago too, seems as if it's all pointing to Bernie getting what he eventually wants.

Originally Posted by BBC News website
Red Bull driver David Coulthard told the BBC the decision was disappointing.

"It's a shame because it's one of the great circuits. But it's a business and you've got to get on with it," he said.

The move cuts this year's F1 calendar from 19 to 18 races.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone said: "I'm both disappointed and happy.

"Disappointed because we didn't want to miss a race at Spa but happy because the reason its not being run is to have improved infrastructure than before."

The FIA said it hoped the race, at the famous and historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, would return in 2007.

However, Ecclestone has suggested he would like the calendar to be cut to 17 or 18 races for 2007.

The Belgian race had been in jeopardy since local race organisers filed for bankruptcy last year.

Ecclestone had been in talks to take over promoting the race.

Spa-Francorchamps is considered by many to be the finest racing circuit in the world and is a favourite of many of the F1 drivers.

COMEDY DAN

Ecclestone is just a greedy money grabber...

He forced Silverstone into a 2mill refit, just to stay on the calender and now he is doing the same with Spa.

MONEY MONEY MONEY


To be fair, I went to Spa last year and the facilities were appauling, no fixed toilets and horendous camping conditions.

I would say it is due a refit........

KW-rscos

People do not worry to much, there are huge rumours that might bring the european GP back to the UK, if Hockenhiem goes down the toilet, then the Nurburg ring will host the German GP, then that leaves a much up dated Brands hatch to retake the European GP. as for Silverstone, Watch this space, they are about to spend 600million on a revamp.