A number of top MotoGP riders have expressed their desire to retain Sachsenring as the German Grand Prix home venue, amid rumours of this year's race being the last at the circuit.
The German Automobile Club, or ADAC, negotiated a fresh deal in 2016 with Dorna Sports to keep the German Grand Prix on the calendar through to 2021.
Despite some doubts, the event remained at the Sachsenring for the 2017 running and will once again be used this weekend.
However, the Sachsenring – which is only permitted to 10 days of racing per year due to local restrictions – has once again come under threat of disappearing from the calendar as it struggles to make money from its activities.
When asked about the track, Honda's Marc Marquez – who has won the last eight races he has entered at the Sachsenring – admits he would be “disappointed” to lose the 2.2-mile circuit, and hopes it continues to host the event.
“I'm very disappointed, of course. I mean, we will see,” he said.
“I think one race in Germany we need to have for the championship, because we have many, many fans here and for the manufacturers it's important.
“It's one of the most important parts in Europe [for the manufacturers]. We will see, it's not clear, but I hope to continue here, honestly speaking.”
Yamaha's Valentino Rossi echoed Marquez's sentiments, and has cited a return to Nurburgring – which is the rumoured destination of the event next year – for the first time since 1997 as potential alternate options.
Rossi also mentioned Hockenheim as a possible venue, but believes it is too much of a "Formula 1" circuit for it to be safe for MotoGP to race there.
“It's a shame because Sachsenring is a very particular track, sometimes not easy, but different than all the rest, especially for the downhill and uphill,” said Rossi.
“[It's been a] long time here, because I think the first time was '98 and the track change during the years.
“Where we can go? I think maybe Hockenheim, but I think is a very car track, a Formula 1 track.
“I was there with the car, it's not so bad but I don't for the bike. Or I think Nurburgring, I race in the Nurburgring in the old times, I think '96, '97.
“Always difficult weather, but the track was good also for the bike. So maybe we have these three options.”
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