F1 might not race in Germany this year - Ecclestone

Jan.22 (GMM) Germany could be removed from the F1 calendar altogether, Bernie Ecclestone has warned.

Earlier, amid the Nurburgring's financial and ownership troubles, the F1 supremo said it was likely Hockenheim would return in 2015 to host the German grand prix.

But officials for both German circuits responded by insisting they do not have contracts with Ecclestone's Formula One Management for the coming season.

So when asked by Britain's Sky if he is still confident Hockenheim will host the race in 2015, Ecclestone acknowledged: "Not really."

As for the fate of a German grand prix, the 84-year-old Briton quipped: "We've got one -- it's called Austria."

He admitted the German promoters' troubles are essentially financial, but isn't sure why that is.

"Honestly I don't know. It's surprises me," said Ecclestone.

"Maybe it's a little bit that the German people were very used to and supported Michael (Schumacher) and miss Michael when he wasn't racing any longer."