German GP demise 'a disaster'

Even the Germans got tired of the Mercedes F1 parade with sick sounding F1 engines. The thrill is gone.

(GMM) Niki Lauda says the demise of the German grand prix would be a "disaster".

Amid the Nurburgring's ownership troubles and Hockenheim not agreeing an alternative deal for 2015, the Rhein Zeitung newspaper on Monday quoted Bernie Ecclestone as saying: "I'm as sad as the fans that there will be no formula one race in Germany."

The F1 supremo explained the likely demise of the event by saying that "as the attendance has been so low for the last few years, it is not commercially viable for the promoters in Germany".

Lauda, the legendary triple world champion and now team chairman at reigning champions Mercedes, commented: "I hope this is all just sabre-rattling.

"For Germany and for Mercedes, it would be a disaster if there is no German race," the Austrian told Sport Bild.

Lauda said he cannot understand why F1 is no longer viable in Germany.

"The organizers in Germany have to pull themselves together," he insisted.

"We have Rosberg in a Mercedes and Vettel in a Ferrari — what more can formula one possibly offer?

"There must be a way to make it a profitable event," Lauda added.