Nurburgring in talks with Bernie Ecclestone to return to F1

The German GP was last held at the Nurburgring in 2013; pictured here is Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel

Officials at the Nurburgring have confirmed they are currently in talks with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to bring back the German Grand Prix, which is either held at the Hockenheimring or the Nurburgring.

The race, due to be held after the British Grand Prix in July, was cancelled for financial reasons, with the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) saying at issuing a statement saying the “German Grand Prix has been withdrawn as the CRH [Commerical Rights Holder] and promoter did not reach agreement.”

Following disagreements with the Nurburgring, officials had approached organisers at Hockenheim, who also declined. No race replaced the German GP this year, although Hockenheim will host the 2016 edition in July next year. Nurburgring officials have said there are concrete talks, however, for the track to make a return in 2017.

Last year’s race, which was held in Hockenheim, saw German Nico Rosberg of Mercedes AMG Petronas take victory from pole. In what was then portentuous, the race was noted for having an extremely poor turnout, which may have affected its prospects this year.

"We strive for a Formula 1 race in 2017 and are in proper discussions with Bernie Ecclestone," Nurburgring CEO Carsten Schumacher told motorsport-total.com. "The theme of Formula 1 is not off the table.”

Although it was unable to host Formula One, the Nurburgring played host to the World Endurance Championships this year with the 6 hours of Nurburgring held in August, which saw Team Porsche take the win led by former Formula One driver Mark Webber.

The track also hosts the DTM or Deutsche Tournewagen Masters, one of the world’s biggest touring car championships.