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After Spa, now Hockenheim is in financial trouble - a loss of $1.78m in 2006, according to The Guardian.
The GP will go ahead, of course, but it's yet more evidence that hosting a race is uneconomic unless you have huge government backing like Bahrain, China, etc. Euro races have to pay Bernie about $14m.
It would solve a problem for him, though, if Hockenheim eventually dropped out, freeing a slot for Russia, Mexico or South Africa.
+ once Schumi goes, the excuse for two German races goes too.
Comments
What do expect when you take a perfectly good racing circuit and cock it up all to hell?
I once wanted to go to a race there - even if it was in Germany - but now I'll hold out for a return of the real N'ring.
The paradox about Hockenheim is we all agree it's been castrated and yet there's some good overtaking now. It suits modern cars.
The 'original' layout was boring for the drivers and boring for the spectators too. I think we are nostalgic about it because:
a) we loved the top speed (F1 doesn't challenge US single seaters that often)
b) we don't love Tilke.
(of course, we Brits have always had mixed feelings because of Jim Clark's death).
[Edited on 29/12/2005 by viges]
They also agreed though that the "Ring was too dangerous because of its length ( not nearly enough emergency vehicles were available to be placed along the entire circuit).
It just shows how F1 has developed when there are some who will shed a tear if/when Hockenheim is removed from the schedule ( I won't be one of them...). Thank goodness that we still have Spa, Monaco, Suzuka, Montreal, and Monza (even with the chicanes)........ and I should add, the new venue in Turkey.
Note to Emmo.......... if you thought that Hockenheim was a "proper track", we got to get ya out to see more circuits..... You've been to Imola and Monza..... we will add Spa to that list this year.... 2007, how about Monaco??? and I got to get ya out to Montreal sometime as well...................
[Edited on 29/12/2005 by Murph]
Is there any truth to the rumor that is was enviro wackos that demanded that the old track be demolished and returned to nature in exchange for their support of the new modifications?
Hockenheim is looking into that idea !
Now, where did I see that suggestion before ???:rolleyes:
Realistically ... the vacant slot will go to Russia, South Africa or Mexico. India is also talking. The plans near the airport in Cape Town seem to be progressing - any news from down there alloy?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4566894.stm
I'm sure Bernie will take them up on it.
The Schumi hordes are no more. Altogether: 'ahhhh'
if bmw and mercedes want two venues to entertain their corporate clients they will be given this opportunity. i mean honestly, i couldn't give a toss as they've completely destroyed anything that was cool about hockenheim anyway. nevertheless, the idea of two races in the uk is plain silly (and i'm sure you meant it jokingly) as keeping silverstone on the calendar has been more than challenging already.
Britain successfully hosted two GPs a year for some years in the 60s, 70s and 80s, principally Brands Hatch and Silverstone.
Zimbabwe sure is a great place to live now.