Schumacher victory would help Hockenheimring
The German GP weekend is right around the corner, and this year it is again to be held at Hockenheim. The circuit's managing director, Georg Seiler is of course happy to see F1 back while at the same time confirming that Hockenheimring is on a steady financial course.
In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Seiler said ticket sales were at similar levels as last time around: "We currently have sold 54,000 tickets. Two years ago we reached 62,000 and I hope we can get back to this number also."
While this is not the maximum number of spectators possible, Seiler noted that Hockenheim was never able to equal the 95000 spectators that were present at the first F1 race on the next track layout, now 10 years ago.
The circuit though is currently running break-even when including all other events that happen at Hockenheim through the year. He admitted that a Michael Schumacher win this year in the Mercedes AMG would be a great boost as it would please a lot of local Mercedes fans.
Hockenheim has also secured F1 until 2018 while at the Nürburgring nothing is certain yet. The two German circuits currently alternate on the Formula One calendar each year, but Seiler would not be opposed to have F1 each year if something would come up at the Nürburgring.
"The fact is that we have wanted the alternate host. Both wanted the race tracks, and it would be still useful for the future. I assume that will be agreed at the Nürburgring at the right time. Otherwise, ask all the question of whether we would be ready for 2013: At present there is no request. If this be so, but I do see a possibility that F1 comes back every year at Hockenheim. But then everything would have to be agreed: the cost side, the contract, the policy and much more. I do not know if this is all so easy to fulfil. Still, I would be happy if we would continue the alternation."
