Hockenheim hopeful of new deal to keep German GP on F1 schedule

Hopes for the German Grand Prix to remain part of the Formula One calendar may be more likely than first feared. Having made its return to F1 this year, Hockenheim promoters are hopeful of a new deal with Liberty Media that would see the event held at the circuit in 2019 and beyond.

Previously, the German Grand Prix had split hosting duties with Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, with the race alternating between venues each year until the Nurburgring fell off the calendar in 2013.

After packed stands on race day and a title-changing race, race promoters are hopeful of a new deal that would reinstate Hockenheim as the venue for the race in Germany every year. Explaining their position to Reuters, Hockenheim marketing director Jorn Teske explained that the process of agreeing a new deal was ongoing.

“We very much hope that we will host the GP next year but I cannot say more," he said.

"It’s still open. We are still discussing. What is clear is that both parties are trying to find a solution and this is very good. It means there is really a serious interest of Formula 1 to keep the German GP. So yes, we are optimistic as well but that’s all for the moment.”

F1 commercial director Sean Bratches is also hopeful of a deal being reached, with conformation of a brand new deal on the horizon not out of the question before the end of the year.

“I’m an optimist. We haven’t released our schedule yet albeit we will shortly; around Spa. My German’s not great, it’s OK, but the talks have gone OK."

He also commented on the difficulties Liberty has experienced as they look to add a second grand prix in the United States, with the plans for a Miami race pushed back until 2020 at the earliest.

"I have every reason to feel optimistic about the prospects of racing in Miami in 2020. We are working closely with Steve Ross and his team and the myriad constituencies in southern Florida to make this happen. We’ve made a lot of progress, there’s work to be done.

“Things are complicated but I still continue to suggest that the Formula 1 brand and Miami are very complimentary and the economic impact that we can bring into the city and county of Miami is extraordinary."