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Ecclestone to Become Promoter of Hockenheim?

Often when a circuit has financial problems and, consequently securing a Formula One round becomes impossible, championship supremo Bernie Ecclestone steps in an tries to find a compromise solution. Most of the times, the new deal is a lucrative one for Bernie, some other times – like with Canada – the 78-year old Englishman is forced to give in a little bit.

German circuit Hockenheim has been in the public eye for quite some time now, as the historical F1 venue is on the verge of losing its place in the championship schedule due to money-related problems. While trying to safeguard it several times in the past few months, Bernie encountered some strong resistance from the circuit's current private promoters.

According to some sources quoted by the German media, it seems the aforementioned promoters have no plans of absorbing the increasing financial losses recorded by the circuit year after year. That was actually the main reason why the German government decided not to invest in the race in the future, as the event has been losing money in recent years.

Ecclestone reportedly thought about a temporary solution and offered himself as the new promoter of the event, in exchange for 1.5 million euros per season. According to some sources, that would buy both the Hockenheim circuit and the FOM (Formula One Management, in charge of F1's commercial rights) enough time to sort out an alternative deal with the Nurburgring for the hosting of the German GP.

Ecclestone met with head of state Gunther Oettinger once again this week, according to Sudwestfunk, in order to discuss the new offer. However, neither of the two parties confirmed the information mentioned above.

It was perhaps a pre-decisive round but a final decision has not yet been made,” said Dieter Gummer, who is the mayor of Hockenheim and also chairman of the Hockenheimring circuit.
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