In a general situation where countries are scrambling to enter a MotoGP calendar with already 19 events, and where those who have the opportunity to already be part of the landscape are working to stay there in the face of strong competition, this information coming from Sachsenring anxiety about Germany's position. Those responsible for the track which has hosted the Dorna events since 1998 and the ADAC Munich brand which signed the contract with Carmelo Ezpeleta to ensure the existence of a Grand Prix in Germany until 2021 are indeed at odds.
From there, we have a Sachsenring which wants to keep the event on its site and calls for the opening of discussions with Dorna and the other party which argues that it is in charge of the organization of the German deadline of the championship. This looks a lot like a future battlefield that the promoter could avoid by looking elsewhere. And there is no shortage of application files.
The Sachsenring has been the temple of MotoGP since 1998. The German Grand Prix also took place at the Nürburgring and Hockenheim. The circuit located in the east of Germany has long enjoyed its status as a meeting place beyond the former Iron Curtain and enjoyed a certain popular success before its attendance declined at the same time as the ticket prices were climbing. As a result, it was Brno which was happy to receive the disappointed people. Furthermore, the Sachsenring has already experienced difficulties in balancing its accounts.
It should be noted that the above does not call into question the holding of the upcoming edition of a German Grand Prix which will take place from July 13 to 15.
In the meantime, here is the Sachsenring press release:
“On behalf of SRM Sachsenring-Rennstrecken-Management GmbH, it is confirmed that the contract as organizer of the Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland has been canceled by ADAC Munich from 2019 at the Sachsenring by letter dated 24.05.2018.
“The SRM would like to clarify with this press release that it has always fulfilled all the conditions for the realization of a Motorcycle Grand Prix by Dorna Sports, holder of the international rights to the Motorcycle World Championship, and that it is able to fulfill them in the future.
“What cannot be achieved are the additional conditions required from ADAC Munich, which are part of the contract between SRM and ADAC Munich.
“The management of SRM, together with their shareholders and the region of Saxony, would like to emphasize that they will continue to work so that the 2019 Grand Prix and others beyond can take place at the Sachsenring. To this end, we will immediately begin discussions with Dorna Sports.
“The 2018 Grand Prix Deutschland is not affected by the termination and will take place at the Sachsenring from July 13-15.
“We ask you to understand that, for legal reasons, we cannot and will not provide any information on the contractual contents between SRM and ADAC Munich ».