Hockenheim "optimistic" over 2019 race

Hockenheim is optimistic that it will feature on the 2019 calendar, which is set to be confirmed as soon as this week. The German Grand Prix contract expires this year, and the future of the event beyond 2018 has been in major doubt.

The Nurburgring, which had a contract to host the German GP every second year, dropped off the calendar following the 2013 season due to rising costs. This led to a German event being held every two years, with Hockenheim as the sole venue.

However, due to the success of this year's race, it could be salvaged for next year's roster: “We very much hope that we will host the GP next year but I cannot say more," Hockenheim’s marketing director Jorn Teske told Reuters.

"It’s still open. We are still discussing. What is clear is that both parties are trying to find a solution and this is very good. It means there is really a serious interest of Formula 1 to keep the German GP. So yes, we are optimistic as well but that’s all for the moment.”

F1's commercial director Sean Bratches admitted that he suspects there will be 21 races on the calendar next season, but would not provide any further detail: “I’m an optimist. We haven’t released our schedule yet albeit we will shortly; around Spa. My German’s not great, it’s OK, but the talks have gone OK."

F1 was set to see a new race join the calendar next year, when Miami drew up detailed plans for a race. However, confirmation was postponed until at least the 2020 season pending consultation with concerned locals. Bratches is expecting the race to feature on the calendar in the coming years.

"I have every reason to feel optimistic about the prospects of racing in Miami in 2020,” he said. “We are working closely with Steve Ross and his team and the myriad constituencies in southern Florida to make this happen. We’ve made a lot of progress, there’s work to be done.

“Things are complicated but I still continue to suggest that the Formula 1 brand and Miami are very complimentary and the economic impact that we can bring into the city and county of Miami is extraordinary," he added.

Fergal Walsh