Germany 'unlikely' to host a Grand Prix this season; says Bernie Ecclestone

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has claimed that Germany, home of world champion Mercedes, looks unlikely to host a Grand Prix this year, but admits that there is still time to secure a deal.

The Briton was speaking after a German newspaper quoted him as saying that there would be no race because the visitor numbers were so poor in recent years that it is not economically viable.

Ecclestone confirmed that a fax had been sent to the paper in response to a query, but denied the matter had been decided. He said that who knows what would happen, adding that there are two circuits there, and they would wait and see, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Ecclestone said that it's not looking good, adding that one can say that the race looks unlikely, but insisted that they are trying to rescue it. He said that he doesn't want to lose it, for sure, adding that they are trying their best.

This year's race was due to be held at the Nuerburgring under an alternation agreement that saw Hockenheim host it last season.

Ecclestone said last month that Hockenheim would host this year's July 19 race because of problems at the Nuerburgring. However, he subsequently threw doubt on that by saying no deal had been signed with any German circuit.

With the Formula One season starting in Australia next month, Ecclestone indicated that Germany had only a couple of weeks to do a deal and stay on what would otherwise be a 19-race calendar.