Nurburgring eyes ’long’ grand prix contract

The Nurburgring’s current financial problems do not mean the German circuit has no future on the F1 calendar.

That is the claim of the fabled venue’s boss Jorg Lindner, who said the company headed by himself and Kai Richter have a lease on the Nurburgring until 2040.

"I intend to fulfil it," he is quoted by the Rheinische Post newspaper.

The Nurburgring has entered an insolvency process, but Lindner said talks with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone remain on track.

"Everyone is talking about Mr Ecclestone, but nobody except us is talking to Mr Ecclestone," said Lindner, who revealed he had a meeting in London recently with the 81-year-old Briton.

The topic, he said, was a formula one race contract.

"Specifically, we are aiming for a long term relationship, not only for the season 2013," Lindner insisted.

"The receivers have given us an assurance that agreements we make with Mr Ecclestone need to be a part of the (insolvency) proceedings.

"Naturally, a sale would have a higher value with a formula one contract," he said.