German tracks agree to alternate GP

Although the two Germany tracks had agreed on the deal earlier this year, there remained a problem over the name of the event.

The AvD, organisers of the the Hockenheim event, owns the rights to the Grosser Preis von Deutschland name, and they were yet to reach a financial agreement over the use of the name with the ADAC, organisers of the European Grand Prix, usually held at the Nurburgring.

However, both parties have now reached an agreement that will see Nurburgring host the race in 2007 and 2009, while Hockenheim will do it in 2008 and 2010.

"We have agreed with FIA (Formula One Administration) that the German Grand Prix will be in 2007 at the Nurburgring, 2008 in Hockenheim, 2009 at the Nurburgring and 2010 Hockenheim," Hockenheim spokesman Hartmut Tessereaux said.

The idea for the deal was born after neither circuit made the same income it used to, with Hockenheim struggling under heavy debts.

Next year's German Grand Prix is scheduled for 22 July.