Nurburgring boss Carsten Schumacher is hopeful that the circuit will make a comeback after falling off the Formula 1 calendar this season due to financial troubles.
The German Grand Prix formed part of a 20 race calendar in 2015, but talks between circuit bosses and Bernie Ecclestone broke down, resulting in its cancellation, dropping the calendar down to 19 rounds.
The Hockenheim circuit had tried to step in and rescue the race, but it was too late for it to put everything required in place. Whilst the German GP will return in 2016 at Hockenheim, the Nurburgring’s future remains an unknown.
However Schumacher is hopeful it will once again play host to F1, admitting discussions are ongoing with Ecclestone.
“We have already this year held long discussions about F1,” he told Motorsport-Total. “We were very committed to making sure we had a race. I regret that it did not take place eventually.
“We strive to have an F1 race in 2017 and are having the appropriate discussions with Bernie Ecclestone. The topic of F1 is not off the table.”
Schumacher regrets the race could not go ahead, but admitted it was the best option to ensure the survival of the circuit.
“I feel sorry for the fans, the region and also for us that the race could not happen,” he added.
“We could not and would not bear alone the risks. Instead of F1, we had a round of the World Endurance Championship, which proved to be a tremendous success.
“In hindsight, we have not met anyone who said that we took a wrong decision, it’s actually quite the contrary.”
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