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2017 German Grand Prix axed for financial reasons

November 30, 2016

Germany will have no Formula One Grand Prix in 2017 after the race was axed for financial reasons on Wednesday. The move means there will be no home race for new champion Nico Rosberg next year.

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Deutschland Nico Rosberg Qualifying Hockenheim
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/J. Meyer

Like Rosberg, constructors' champions Mercedes will also be without a home Grand Prix, after the Nürburgring was unwilling to pay hosting fees and Hockenheim, which drew a mere 57,000-strong crowd this year, was reluctant to lose money in successive seasons.

While the move will dismay German fans, there was a more welcome change in other quarters with the renamed Azerbaijan Grand Prix being pushed back to June 25 to avoid a clash with the Le Mans 24 Hours race.

Grand Prixs in Brazil and Canada, which had both been in doubt before Wednesday's announcement, were confirmed on the 20-round official version published by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Hockenheim, one of the best attended venues in seven times champion Michael Schumacher's era, does have a contract for 2018 when the race is expected to return.

 

2017 Grand Prix Calendar

March 26 - Australia (Melbourne)

April 9  - China (Shanghai)

April 16 - Bahrain

April 30 - Russia (Sochi)

May 14   - Spain (Barcelona)

May 28   - Monaco

June 11  - Canada (Montreal)

June 25  - Azerbaijan (Baku)

July 9   - Austria (Spielberg)

July 16  - Britain (Silverstone)

July 30  - Hungary (Budapest)

Aug 27   - Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

Sept 3   - Italy (Monza)

Sept 17  - Singapore

Oct 1    - Malaysia (Sepang)

Oct 8    - Japan (Suzuka)

Oct 22   - U.S. (Austin)

Oct 29   - Mexico (Mexico City)

Nov 12   - Brazil (Sao Paulo)

Nov 26   - Abu Dhabi

mp (DPA/AP)