Nurburgring engages with Carey for F1 return

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The Nurburgring has initiated discussions with Liberty Media as it seeks a return of the iconic venue to the Formula 1 calendar as early as next year.

The German Grand Prix has been an inconsistent affair in the last few years, with no race organised in 2015 and 2017 following the circuit's inability to meet F1's financial requirements.

The race will return to Hockernheim next summer however, but Nurburgring boss Mirco Markfort would like to see the German Grand Prix alternate once again between the country's two circuits, providing conditions are right.

Carey bullish on plans to bring F1 to Copenhagen

"We want to get Formula 1 back at the Ring," he told Kolner Express newspaper. "If possible already in 2019."

"But this is only possible if meaningful economic conditions are taken into account."

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has highlighted in the recent past the importance of Germany for the future of the sport.

"Germany is very important. It's the largest and most prosperous country in western Europe with a great sports history," he explained.

"Our constructors' world champion is German. We would like to build on what we already have in Germany, and an event is obviously an important part of it."

Markfort has therefore engaged in discussions with Carey, hoping a reasonable deal can be struck in the coming months.

"The business model a la Ecclestone is passé. It does not pay off for us in ticket revenue alone. We need clarity by the Hockenheim race in July," explained Markfort.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.