Don't blame Ecclestone for German GP demise - Lauda
- Published on 16 Mar 2015 13:37
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Germany's F1 circuits, not Bernie Ecclestone, are to blame for the demise of the German grand prix. That is the view of formula one legend Niki Lauda, after the sport's supremo Ecclestone declared the race essentially "dead" for 2015.
It will end Germany's six-decade run on the annual F1 calendar, and deprive Mercedes - for whom Lauda is the team chairman - of its home race. "Of course it would be a shame if there is no grand prix in Germany this year," the triple world champion told Tagesspiegel newspaper. "But in this case you have to say 'If the host is not able to organise a race, then this is not the fault of Bernie Ecclestone'," Lauda added.
This year, the Nurburgring was scheduled to host a mid-July round of the world championship, so if the circuit succumbs to financial troubles, "No one else can be blamed for it". Lauda continued: "It is up to the organisers to make it a whole weekend event, as Austria, Silverstone, Spa and Melbourne are able to do so well." (GMM)
It will end Germany's six-decade run on the annual F1 calendar, and deprive Mercedes - for whom Lauda is the team chairman - of its home race. "Of course it would be a shame if there is no grand prix in Germany this year," the triple world champion told Tagesspiegel newspaper. "But in this case you have to say 'If the host is not able to organise a race, then this is not the fault of Bernie Ecclestone'," Lauda added.
This year, the Nurburgring was scheduled to host a mid-July round of the world championship, so if the circuit succumbs to financial troubles, "No one else can be blamed for it". Lauda continued: "It is up to the organisers to make it a whole weekend event, as Austria, Silverstone, Spa and Melbourne are able to do so well." (GMM)
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Replies (1)
Login to replyBtwnDitches
Posts: 204
This does not bode well for F1. France is long-gone. Italy is also struggling. Lose the core - loose the body. This puts huge pressure on established venues in England, Spain, Benelux, Australia, Brazil, Japan.
I would NOT expect German F1 loyalists to clamor for racing reinstatement if Mercedes is eclipsed on tracks in other countries (unless VW, BMW, or Audi soon decide to field an F1 team). Beaten teams don't attract; sporting fans want winners. But F1 as a whole is losing popularity and public + commercial appeal. And Bernie ISN'T helping things.