Hockenheim abandons plans to host GP in 2020

Hockenheim circuit is no longer a candidate to host an F1 Grand Prix this year, because the event would not make financial sense given local restrictions on public gatherings linked to the COVID-19.

The German track had offered its infrastructure to F1 as part of a triple-header run in October that would have included Portimao and Imola.

However, talks between Hockenheim and Liberty Media ended when it became clear that attendance figures for the event could not be guaranteed amid the current COVID-19 crisis.

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"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," Hockenheim boss Jorn Teske told Motorsport.com.

"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."

Reports in various media suggest that the Nürburgring could be slot in to replace Hochenheim, although the prospect of racing in the Eifel mountains in October is not one that F1 teams will find attractive.

But COVID-19 public gathering restrictions in the region are more permissive, thus increasing the chance of the venue being added to F1's calendar.

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