The 2015 German grand prix is not dead yet.<\/p>\n
One week ago, Bernie Ecclestone told a German correspondent that the country will fall off this year’s schedule.<\/p>\n
He quickly backtracked, but it is true that neither the embattled Nurburgring nor Hockenheim currently have a deal in place to host the July race.<\/p>\n
“I hope this is all just sabre-rattling,” Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda said.<\/p>\n
Indeed, it now emerges that none of the three key parties – F1 supremo Ecclestone nor the two German circuits – have given up.<\/p>\n
According to Auto Motor und Sport, Ecclestone informed the powerful strategy group at its meeting in Paris last Thursday that while time is running out, negotiations are still taking place.<\/p>\n
“Ecclestone also made clear that there is no substitute race in the event of a cancellation.\u00a0 Then there would only be 19 grands prix on the calendar,” wrote correspondent Michael Schmidt.<\/p>\n
Sport Bild claims that one saviour could be Mercedes, for whom Germany is its key home race.<\/p>\n
The publication claims that it is possible the German giant and reigning world champions will fund the difference between Ecclestone’s race fee demands and Hockenheim’s projected loss.<\/p>\n
And Nurburgring spokesman Carsten Schumacher is quoted by DPA news agency: “In the interest of motor sport fans and the region, we are willing to accept a reasonable loss.”<\/p>\n
Lauda, meanwhile, said he is baffled as to why German promoters cannot afford to keep F1 in the country.<\/p>\n
“Actually, it should be easy this year,” said the F1 legend.\u00a0 “On one hand you have Vettel in a Ferrari, while on the other you have the duel between the Mercedes drivers.<\/p>\n
“If Austria, Singapore, Austin and Silverstone are able to fill their houses, Hockenheim should be able to as well,” Lauda added.<\/p>\n
\u00a9 RIF | GMM<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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