German GP not secure for 2017 - Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone says there is still no guarantee there will be a German grand prix in 2017.

After Germany’s return to the calendar this year at Hockenheim, the circuit has been allocated a mere provisional date for the 2017 schedule.

That is because next year is actually the Nurburgring’s turn to host the race, but that German circuit has been unable to fulfil its contract.

"Hockenheim is not yet certain for next year," F1 supremo Ecclestone told Bild newspaper in Mexico.

"If they are not willing to pay the money that the other promoters in Europe also pay, a race in Germany will be almost impossible," he insisted.

Hockenheim chief Georg Seiler has said previously he is open to signing a 2017 contract, but only on the condition that the track would not record a loss.

There have also been rumours Hockenheim could split the promotional responsibilities with Ecclestone, to make up the few million Euro the track is not willing to pay.

Seiler told Bild: "At the moment I can’t say anything."