2020 calendar: Hockenheim places

The Coronavirus pandemic having completely disrupted the 2020 calendar of Formula 1, not a week goes by without a circuit not planned in the initial program popping up out of the hat. 

It must be said that after the false start in Melbourne, the FOM is desperate to get the ball rolling in the hope of minimizing the impact of the crisis on sport. Following the cancellation of the French GP, the campaign is due to open in Austria on July 5, with several races planned on the Red Bull ring. 

In this uncertain context, certain destinations may have sensed the opportunity to host the premier discipline at a lower cost, even if the event would take place behind closed doors. A few weeks ago, we were talking about the famous Imola circuit in Italy. Then there was question of the Portimão route in Portugal. Now it’s Hockenheim’s turn to join the dance. 

Jorn Teske, general manager of the German track, has not ruled out the possibility of a return of the German Grand Prix in 2020 with our German-speaking colleagues and repeated it in an official communication sent to us. 

« We were already in regular contact with F1 before the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been since the last edition of the race last year, says Teske. We also discussed the current situation in general. We can see that our calendar and that of F1 are totally turned upside down. 

If F1 wants to perform at Hockenheim this summer without spectators, we would be willing to discuss it. Above all, sanitary conditions must naturally be optimal and safety must be ensured. This is the priority. Official authorizations must then be issued and financial feasibility guaranteed. ». 

Germany, which has been less affected by the Coronavirus crisis than its European neighbors, recently relaxed its physical distancing measures. The de-confinement across the Rhine was, however, accompanied by an increase in contamination.

A popular and sporting success in recent years, the German Grand Prix could only take place in 2019 with the support of Mercedes, which became one-off title sponsor of the event to celebrate its 125th anniversary in motorsport. Toto wolff, team principal, of the German team, made it known last year that this sponsorship could not continue in 2020. 

In short, suffice to say that the probability of seeing a German GP this summer is relatively low. If you do not try you will not succeed…