Hockenheim out of running for 2020 F1 race
Hockenheim has revealed that it is now out of the running to hold a Formula 1 race this year because of the strict limits on the numbers of people who would be able to attend.
The German circuit had been one of the leading contenders to grab a European race slot this year as F1 chiefs look to fill out their calendar.
But despite lengthy talks with F1 owners Liberty Media over potentially hosting a race later this year as part of a triple header in October with Imola and Portimao, Hockenheim's hopes of hosting the event are over because it was impossible to guarantee that enough fans would be allowed in to the venue.
F1 is hoping that fans can return to races by September – with the current plan being for spectators to first be allowed back at the Russian GP. Tight local restrictions in force in the Hockenheim region, which limit gatherings, are unlikely to be lifted in the short term, and that means the circuit has no chance of getting the green light for a race.
Hockenheim’s managing director Jorn Teske told Motorsport.com: “From today's point of view, for a potential race in October, we cannot assume that an event with more than 500 spectators would be possible.
"So from an economic point of view, this makes us less attractive for Formula 1 than other race tracks where they are allowed fan events under certain conditions.
“Therefore it will not be possible to live up to our offer, which was to hold a grand prix under the special circumstances of the coronavirus crisis. We can confirm, therefore, that there will be no grand prix at Hockenheim in 2020.”
Hockenheim’s demise has prompted suggestions that the Nurburgring could now take the German GP slot, but there are questions over whether holding a race there in October would be feasible because of the poor weather.
However, the restrictions regarding spectators in that German region are more relaxed, which means Liberty could push on with an event that included fans.
A spokesman for the circuit told Motorsport.com: “There is nothing to report at the moment. The discussions between Formula 1 and the Nürburgring have taken place again and again since the last event in 2013.
“We have spoken to each other again this year. As we have always emphasized in the past, the [Formula] 1 race must also make economic sense for the Nurburgring."
Share Or Save This Story
His worst races would be enough: The remarkable stats behind Kimi Antonelli’s title hopes
Who slept worst last night: Carlos Sainz
Insider reveals how Red Bull’s billion-dollar Porsche deal collapsed
Max Verstappen takes just 14 laps to overtake 100 amateur karters in manic event
Hendrick to bring back iconic neon yellow car numbers for 2027
NASCAR changes wet-weather tire policy for Bristol to give teams more control
Max Verstappen beats the 100 in blistering time as it happened
F1 doesn't need to change its VSC rules despite Lando Norris' Spain loss
Why Lando Norris doesn’t buy George Russell’s driving style theory
How Kimi Antonelli is proving unbeatable, even when he's beaten
How Norris unfurled a surprising - and "unrepeatable" - Spanish GP pole lap
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments