Nurburgring seeks 2009 race name solution

This year's race had to be named European Grand Prix because the Automobil Club of Germany (AvD) was reluctant to relinquish the 'German GP' title that they own.

The German Grand Prix will return to the calendar next year at the AvD-run Hockenheim circuit, but doubts remain about the future name when it's Nurburgring hosting the German race in 2009.

Germany's current F1 circuits have agreed to alternate their race for the foreseeable future, and it will Nurburgring's turn again in 2009.

However, with the Spanish city of Valencia having secured a deal to host the European Grand Prix from next year, Nurburgring will face a difficult situation when naming its 2009 event.

Nurburgring GmbH general manager Walter Kafitz, however, is confident the AvD and European GP organisers ADAC will be able to reach an agreement for their race to be called German Grand Prix in 2009.

"Paramount for me was to have a Grand Prix in the first place, the name has second priority," said Kafitz after last weekend's race. 

"However, I would have preferred that the race would be called German Grand Prix and due to the upcoming event at Valencia, a solution has to be found in the quarrel between the two German car federations AvD and ADAC about the name.

"But I am hopeful that this will happen. And if not, there will always be another path. It is, after all, easier to find a name than to get a Formula One race."