State ousts Nurburgring circuit operator

The future of the German grand prix at the Nurburgring is looking grim, after the Rhineland-Palatinate state cancelled the circuit operator’s lease.

Minister Roger Lewentz told the Rhein-Zeitung newspaper that a bright future for the venue was "not possible" with the existing tenants.

The report, however, said talks with Bernie Ecclestone about a new deal for the formula one race are well advanced.

Lewentz said: "I want and need to speak personally with Mr Ecclestone."

Recently, the Nurburgring has been annually alternating a single date on the F1 calendar with Hockenheim.