German GP dropped for 2017

[MitchT]

A bit of a shame that the world champion won't have a 'home' grand prix (yeah, I know he's always lived in Monaco), though Hockenheim died when they lopped off the forest straights and got Hermann Tilke to use his identikit circuit design approach to remodel it, so I won't miss it much.

[RDMcG]

Thought there was a rumour that Mercedes might step in....

[Eric Mc]

Another nail in the coffin of "traditional" venues - although the current Hockenheim is not much of a circuit.

[MitchT]

As far as Hockenheim is concerned the traditional venue was buried a long time ago.

[RemaL]

Eric Mc said:

Another nail in the coffin of "traditional" venues - although the current Hockenheim is not much of a circuit.

agreed. More about the ££££ now much like the pay to drive, Drivers

[LaurasOtherHalf]

It must be disappointing for Mercedes and although it was a bit of a nightmare for people to get to in such large numbers but the Nürburgring provided a great venue and track.

It must be financially unviable for them to put it on.

[Eric Mc]

It's how Bernie works.

German car wins world constructor's championship.

German driver wins world driver's championship.

Cue Bernie to withdraw German GP in order to extort more cash. In most circles it's referred to as "blackmail". In Bernie's world, it's "business as usual".

It's one of the factors that is pushing F1 to the brink.

[ukaskew]

When do Liberty Media start to exert some influence? One of the first things they mentioned were hosting fees.

A circuit not being able to host what is one of richest sports in the world because they can't afford to is a ridiculous state of affairs. It's like Bernie doesn't want anyone else to make a profit from the sport, even if F1 need these companies (circuits, broadcasters etc) more than they need F1.

[thegreenhell]

Hockenheim are still only operating on the alternating host contract with the Nurburgring, and 2017 was not Hockenheim's turn to host. Hockenheim never had a contract to host the race in 2017, and their provisional place on the 2017 calendar was only a placeholder to see if they could host an additional race outside of their existing contract. It is really the Nurburgring that is defaulting here, as it did in 2015. Hockenheim are still contracted to host the GP in 2018, but then their part of the joint-hosting contract ends.

[ukaskew]

thegreenhell said:

Hockenheim are still only operating on the alternating host contract with the Nurburgring, and 2017 was not Hockenheim's turn to host. Hockenheim never had a contract to host the race in 2017, and their provisional place on the 2017 calendar was only a placeholder to see if they could host an additional race outside of their existing contract. It is really the Nurburgring that is defaulting here, as it did in 2015. Hockenheim are still contracted to host the GP in 2018, but then their part of the joint-hosting contract ends.

The point, still, is that if the finances around F1 were in anyway logical, Hockenheim should be pleased that Nurburgring keep defaulting because it means another year of a profitable event at their circuit.

Instead, we have the bizarre situation where a circuit in the middle of one of most populated countries in Europe, and "home" to the current world champion and dominant manufacturer, can't even afford to host a race.

[anonymous-user]

ukaskew said:

thegreenhell said:

Hockenheim are still only operating on the alternating host contract with the Nurburgring, and 2017 was not Hockenheim's turn to host. Hockenheim never had a contract to host the race in 2017, and their provisional place on the 2017 calendar was only a placeholder to see if they could host an additional race outside of their existing contract. It is really the Nurburgring that is defaulting here, as it did in 2015. Hockenheim are still contracted to host the GP in 2018, but then their part of the joint-hosting contract ends.

The point, still, is that if the finances around F1 were in anyway logical, Hockenheim should be pleased that Nurburgring keep defaulting because it means another year of a profitable event at their circuit.

Instead, we have the bizarre situation where a circuit in the middle of one of most populated countries in Europe, and "home" to the current world champion and dominant manufacturer, can't even afford to host a race.

Because no one's interested. Attendances have been around 50k for the last few German GPs, regardless of location. Cost is of course a factor as are the anodyne circuits but the Central Europeans are less likely to fall for hype than some and are voting with their feet.

[Rude-boy]

REALIST123 said:

Because no one's interested. Attendances have been around 50k for the last few German GPs, regardless of location. Cost is of course a factor as are the anodyne circuits but the Central Europeans are less likely to fall for hype than some and are voting with their feet.

It's just all far to remote these day though.

Without wishing to willy wave I can get tickets to the BRDC and other 'unobtainable' tickets (free) to the BGP yet have missed 3 of the last 5 because it's just too much of a pain in the arse and you can have a much better experience watching it on the box. Sure go once every 5 years for the atmosphere but even that has now all but gone IMO.

[ukaskew]

Rude-boy said:

It's just all far to remote these day though.

Indeed. £230 is the cheapest weekend ticket with parking at the British GP. I consider it most years, then plan exactly what I could for the same cost instead and make a choice. 6 of the past 7 years I've taken the non BGP option.

As a rule I can get a Goodwood FoS Friday ticket, go to the Dunlop Silverstone 24hr (great access!), Thruxton BTCC and a buy a full Castle Combe Season Pass for less than a weekend at the BGP. That's something like 30 days of motorsport.

[DanielSan]

Not much choice for the German GP to be fair, an historic track ruined by Tilke and commercialism with no money, or a slightly neeer but still historic track that's spectacularly mis-managed.

[markcoznottz]

REALIST123 said:

ukaskew said:

thegreenhell said:

Hockenheim are still only operating on the alternating host contract with the Nurburgring, and 2017 was not Hockenheim's turn to host. Hockenheim never had a contract to host the race in 2017, and their provisional place on the 2017 calendar was only a placeholder to see if they could host an additional race outside of their existing contract. It is really the Nurburgring that is defaulting here, as it did in 2015. Hockenheim are still contracted to host the GP in 2018, but then their part of the joint-hosting contract ends.

The point, still, is that if the finances around F1 were in anyway logical, Hockenheim should be pleased that Nurburgring keep defaulting because it means another year of a profitable event at their circuit.

Instead, we have the bizarre situation where a circuit in the middle of one of most populated countries in Europe, and "home" to the current world champion and dominant manufacturer, can't even afford to host a race.

Because no one's interested. Attendances have been around 50k for the last few German GPs, regardless of location. Cost is of course a factor as are the anodyne circuits but the Central Europeans are less likely to fall for hype than some and are voting with their feet.

Used to over 200k

[suffolk009]

Now there's talk of the French GP returning at....Paul Ricard.

Bernie will never be able to reach an agreement with the circuit owner!

[HarryFlatters]

suffolk009 said:

Now there's talk of the French GP returning at....Paul Ricard.

Bernie will never be able to reach an agreement with the circuit owner!

[Atmospheric]

Won't miss it. I do enjoy parts of the original track, such as the tight infield section, but that's nothing without the contrast of the 210mph Forest sections.

[suffolk009]

Without a German GP, is there danger of the contractual ratio of European to Fly-aways being breached.