Michael Schumacher to inaugurate 'his' corner at Nuerburgring

Apr 28, 2007, 18:27 GMT

Nuerburgring, Germany - German seven time world champion Michael Schumacher is to officially inaugurate a corner on the Nuerburgring Grand Prix circuit that has been named after him, Nuerburgring officials said Saturday.

Walter Kafitz told a press conference that it was the first time in the history of the track that a corner had been named after a driver. 'He will inaugurate the corner shortly before this year's Grand Prix on the track.'

He also said that the Grand Prix this year at the Nuerburgring would not be called the German Grand Prix, but the European Grand Prix.

Previously, Germany has hosted two races - the German Grand Prix on the Hockenheim track and the European Grand Prix on the Nuerburgring - but financial constraints have forced organizers to scrap one of the races.

The Grand Prix will be held on the tracks in alternate years, with the Nuerburgring on 22 July hosting this year's race in Germany.

Kafitz said that an agreement could not be reached with the owners of the name 'German Grand Prix'. This year the race will be the European Grand Prix on the Nuerburgring, next year it will be the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

He said though that he was not concerned about the future of the sport worldwide or in Germany as they were opening new markets like Dubai and possibly India.

'As long as it is financially possible there will be a Grand Prix in Germany. I hope though that it is not only the money that counts, but also the history. Motorsport has always been a part of German sport,' he said.