Hockenheim, Germany (dpa) – Hockenheim is prepared to host the 2017 German Formula One Grand Prix if Nuerburgring has to drop out again, the managing director told dpa on Friday.

The two circuits usually alternate but there was no German race last year after Nuerburgring was cut from the calendar due to financial issues.

Hockenheim, which holds this weekend’s German Grand Prix, was not able to step in last year but is poised for 2017.

«If the numbers work out, anything is possible,» Georg Seiler said.

«We would step in if the Nuerburgring can not host it and any risk would be taken on by us.»

For years, both tracks have been battling against falling attendances despite German Sebastian Vettel winning four titles and German carmaker Mercedes now dominating. The halcyon days of fans flocking to see German F1 great Michael Schumacher are long gone.

«We have now sold around 53,000, 54,000 tickets. This is better than two years ago,» Seiler said. «But we still need some more fans.»