Bernie Ecclestone Expresses Interest Then Denies Interest in Nürburgring Over 2 Days

Bernie Ecclestone is known for his ability to play business interests off of one another to get what he wants for the price he wants, and he might have shown that this weekend at the German Grand Prix.

On Saturday, July 6, Ecclestone gave an interview to the German newspaper “Die Welt” saying that he was interested in buying the Nürburgring at least partially to secure the German Grand Prix.

“I hear that you want to sell the Nürburgring. It is a good possibility that I will buy it. I am at least thinking about it.

“If I do it, it would mean that the future of the Grand Prix of Germany is secure,” said Ecclestone.

Then, on Monday, July 8, Ecclestone gave an interview to the “Rhein Zeitung” newspaper where he said that he has no interest in buying the track.

“I have thought it over, but it is not practical for me. I hope someone buys the Nürburgring because we like being here.”

“We are always happy to visit the Nürburgring, and we have been coming here a long time,” he said.

Of course the other possibility is that Ecclestone gave the quotes to the newspapers in order to keep reports about his possible arrest in Bavaria on alleged bribery charges out of the news.

The Nürburgring’s liquidators are still excepting applications to purchase all of or portions of the track. The next step will be for the liquidators to analyze the finances and business plans of the buyers. Finally, there will be a bidding war for the track. A new owner is not expected to be found until the first quarter of 2014.

The only two publicly reported bidders for the track so far the German ADAC automotive club and a consortium made up of businesses closes to the track and Nürburgring fans.

Source: Rhein Zeitung (1,2)