Interview: CEO of Hockenheim: "We do not give up Formula 1" – Motorsport

Sunday, the Formula 1 races at the Hockenheimring – for the last time for the moment. Managing Director Georg Seiler explains why another partnership has failed.

By
Milan Sako

How did you get into motorsport?

Georg Seiler: By normal work as a young man forty years ago. I am from Hockenheim and therefore also rooted in motorsport

Who were the stars at the time?

Seiler: When I started working in the ring, it was Hans-Joachim Stuck and Jochen Mbad. Later, the big names of the race such as Michael Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher or Heinz-Harald Frentzen were added.

Formula 1 has new owners in Liberty Media. From Friday, the Queen clbad will be in Hockenheim, with whom did you negotiate the contract for 2018?

Seiler: We had a long-term contract that we negotiated with Bernie Ecclestone

Hockenheim, to have the racetrack in the calendar?

Seiler: Having Formula 1 on a race track is already worth something. You can use it to tweak your image and engage in conversation for other major events.

Is Formula 1 still a loser for Ring GmbH?

Seiler: A loss transaction depends on several factors. Essentially on the amount of promoter fees, the dollar exchange rate and of course ticket sales, this year went very smoothly. We currently have approximately 65,000 tickets sold. We are expecting 70,000 fans and we will be writing a black zero this year. Maybe we have something left, we will have to wait. But there have been years of losses.

How much does it cost to bring Formula 1 to Germany?

Seiler: A lot.

Up to what point are we talking about 20 million euros?

Seiler: does not call a sum.

We take advantage of the Formula 1 region around Hockenheim

Seiler: The region is certainly generating additional sales of about twelve million euros. That's a lot. We put the playground here and the others make money with it. Everyone is doing business here with Formula One.

When Michael Schumacher was still driving, more than 100,000 spectators were sitting in the Motodrom and on the track in Hockenheim. What is the reason why Formula 1 has lost popularity in Germany?

Seiler: The euphoria was huge when Michael Schumacher became world champion for the first time. Formula 1 was easy to bring to the fan. It was the same phenomenon as in other sports. When Boris Becker and Steffi Graf celebrated their success, tennis was important in Germany. A few years ago, there were changes in Formula One that were not good. Engine noise has been strangled, and more and more technical rules have been introduced. The fan did not accept this and it was noticeable in the number of visitors. But the sound is again better, the rules have been removed. And currently, spectators are experiencing a thrilling duel between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, and that is why they arrive

What does the future look like, will Formula 1 arrive at Hockenheim in 2019?

Seiler: with Liberty Media and made it clear that we are interested in pursuing Formula 1 at Hockenheim, provided we find a constellation that provides essential risk minimization. Basically, this could be achieved through a new business model. We have a possible cooperative approach, without being able to give details here. We do not abandon Formula 1, but we do not have a solution.

This means that there will be no Formula 1 race at Hockenheim in 2019.

Seiler: Yes, because we should have had a contract for l & # 39; next year already. At the beginning of the current race, the decision must be made for the following year. And since this is not the case, in 2019 at least in Hockenheim, there will be no Formula 1. From 2020, we are confident again. But all the parameters must match, and there must be partners who want to finance Formula 1 with us. We will not take any major risks.

Do you know if Liberty Media has contact with the Nürburgring?

Seiler: From what I know, there have been discussions. There are also ideas that do not deviate significantly from our thoughts.

Why in other countries can they afford Formula One?

Seiler: If I look at the Formula One calendar, then we are the only Formula 1 circuit that does not receive money. All others receive funds, almost always from the potted tourism promotion. There is nothing here. Neither the region nor the state or the federal government. In many other areas, something is done for the sport, nothing is done for the Formula One. We have to finance the Formula One on our own economic power. We must maintain the track and invest for the future, but that does not mean losses.

What do you need for a Formula One race?

Seiler: About a year ago, the presale started a year, the remaining tasks are processed about six months in advance.

Who owns the Ring GmbH?

Seiler : The city of Hockenheim owns 94% of the shares and 6% of the Badische Motorsport-Club. The municipality has been in the past for losses, but this is no longer possible. We are a small town of 21,000 inhabitants. It can not be that the formula 1 million losses are entered and at the same time was waiting for the maintenance and investment in the track at the highest level. You have to make money, so you can do the queen clbad here.

Do you win with other events?

Seiler: Yes, we earn money through our daily rental activities and our outdoor concerts with up to 100,000 spectators. We also need the money to cover our fixed costs. Also, we still have to pay off the debts of the past and these were high when we modernized here

Your greatest wish for the German Grand Prix Sunday?

Seiler: Three German pilots or builders on the podium. A Vettel in the first place would be nice to me. He grew up nearby and I've known him for a while, so I'll meet his fingers for him

Where are you going to watch the race?

Seiler: It depends on the given situation, necessarily in my office at Hockenheimring

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