Bernie Ecclestone hopeful of German Grand Prix

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is hopeful that the German Grand Prix will take place this season despite problems with the troubled Nuerburgring circuit.

Ecclestone says negotiations are ongoing with Nuerburgring officials and hopes a deal can be struck this week. But the race could be switched to Hockenheim, which shares the German Grand Prix in alternating years with the Nuerburgring.

Ecclestone tells The Associated Press "I am doing my best to make sure we have an event in Germany. At the moment I can't say whether it will be Hockenheim or Nuerburgring."

Ecclestone was responding to Der Spiegel magazine reporting that developers with a stake in the Nuerburgring had launched legal proceedings against management of the operating company.

Ecclestone says "it's a combination of things ... they have problems."