Hockenheim demise is imminent

(GMMf1NET) F1's 2006 calendar could drop to just seventeen grands prix this week, with Hockenheim now believed to be financially unable to run a German GP.

With Belgium's axed Spa Francorchamps reducing the schedule from nineteen grands prix last week, it is now expected that Hockenheim's July 30 date may be imminently scrapped.

The local 'Mannheimer Morgen' newspaper in Germany has now quoted a participant of recent crisis meetings at the circuit as saying that, 'without new money', Hockenheim does not have the means to continue organization for the race beyond February.

Hockenheim mayor and circuit chief Dieter Gummer, however, reportedly rejected the claim, saying that a solution to the crisis is still being worked on.