Thursday 26 March at 17:59 : Mar.26 (GMM) Nurburgring boss Walter Kafitz has ruled out stepping in to replace Hockenheim should the German venue drop off the 2010 formula one calendar

The two circuits currently annually alternate hosting a single German race, but the future of Hockenheim's loss-making event is unclear

Hockenheim is due to return to the calendar next year, meaning that if it is unable to host the race, Germany will not be represented in formula one for the first time

Kafitz told the German news agency SID that the Nurburgring will be unable to fill the void because it cannot afford to host the sport every year

He said he hopes Hockenheim is able to find a solution

"A negative outcome (for them) would weaken Germany as a location, therefore also (weaken) the Nurburgring," said Kafitz