Hockenheim in talks to fill in if Silverstone falls

Sam Hall
Wednesday 20 May 2020 16:08

Hockenheim CEO Jorn Teske has said that the German circuit will be ready to fill in for Silverstone if UK quarantine rules prevent the proposed Formula 1 British Grand Prix double header from taking place.

Hockenheim hosted the German Grand Prix for the final time in 2019, but Teske is keen to bring the event straight back.

“We are talking with F1, that’s correct. We have spoken about the idea of having a race without spectators here at the circuit,” Teske told Reuters.

“We already checked if this could be possible, from dates as well as the legal general point of view. For us, it is an option.

“What is really crucial for us is not to be pending now for months. We have to get our circuit booked and there is a high demand on track days... but Formula One is aware and understands our situation."

Teske also believes that, where Hockenheim has no contract for hosting grands prix, negotiations with Liberty Media will be far simpler than those endured by venues that also face the prospect of racing behind closed doors.

“Others have a contract in place which might be a bit more complicated in regards to costs they had already and other costs coming up because of preparations which were initiated already,” added Teske.

“We can just say OK, if we find a time slot then we have these costs. And then we come together or not. This might be a little advantage in our talks.

“But we will see what happens. I think the most decisive [thing] is the current situation with quarantine in the UK.”

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