Germany's place on the Formula 1 calendar remains an unknown, as organisers simply cannot raise the money required to host the race, according to Bernie Ecclestone.
The event has been hit by financial struggles on several occasions to such an extent that it was cancelled in 2015 when the operators of the Nurburgring went bankrupt. It did however return to the calendar this year at Hockenheim.
The event remains "subject to confirmation" on the provisional 2017 calendar with Hockenheim down as the host circuit, but organisers there are struggling to raise the funds to host the race two years in a row, having previously alternated with the Nurburgring.
"There is nothing sure yet," Ecclestone told the official Formula 1 website of the race's status. "We are trying to make it happen."
Ecclestone revealed that he has reduced the fee normally charged in order to aid organisers, but doesn't believe it's fair they should pay less than other European races.
"It seems that the promoter can’t make it financially viable. They cannot pay a fee, which is a very reduced fee that we’ve done for them.
"It is not fair that they should pay a fee which is a lot less than the other European venues pay. We are trying to keep all the Europeans at the same amount."
The 86-year-old added that he was confused by the lack of interest in the race, which has been struggling with ticket sales, despite its rich motorsport history.
"Maybe they don’t want Formula 1. Yes, it is very strange if you see their F1 history – with several world champions and a very successful team. I don’t know what more they could have."
