UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Spa and Nürburgring to rotate?

Ecclestone favours full-time Hockenheim

According to Bernie Ecclestone, the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps and the F1 race at the Nürburgring may rotate in the future.

Both venues are located a mere 70 kilometers away from eachother and thus face a stiff competition to rake in spectators. Especially the legendary Spa track has been suffering from a lack of attendees and an increase of financial losses, requiring the local government to step in.

To avoid these problems that could spell the end of the venue's rich F1 tradition, Ecclestone told German magazine Motorsport Aktuell he is looking for a rotation agreement with the Nürburgring, similar to the latter's deal with other German venue Hockenheim which has recently disappeared from the calendar.

Hockenheim's previous promoters - the local government - bailed out of F1, but Ecclestone would like the track to return to the schedule full-time. Not unlike Spa, the venue suffered from repeated financial problems.

As a result, Bernie has been trying to find a way to save Hockenheim and get it back on the calender every year, instead of alternating with the Nürburgring or dropping Formula 1 altogether.

Ironically, because of Michael Schumacher's return to F1 racing, Spa-Francorchamps is enjoying a dramatic increase in ticket sales. Ten thousands of Germans are relishing the prospect of watching the seven-time world champion back in action at a track he conquered no less than seven times, right across the German border.

Spa-Francorchamps still has a contract to host Formula 1 until 2012.

Filip Cleeren

Written: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:20:40