A Nurburgring official confirmed the circuit would not be able to host the race in 2010 should Hockenheim fall by the wayside.

Nurburgring and Hockenheim share the staging rights for the German race on an alternating basis as neither circuit is able to finance a full-time contract due to the high price demanded by F1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone.

Hockenheim appears to have staged its last grand prix after the city withdrew is backing for the event due to the £5.1million loss incurred in staging last year's race. Circuit officials remain open to outside investment, however, and talks have taken place with Ecclestone in a bid to find a solution.

The prospect of Ecclestone reducing his asking price remains slim though, and all eyes are now on last weekend's German Grand Prix venue the Nurburgring, even though circuit chiefs there insist they cannot stage the race for a second year in succession without a reduction in costs.

The Nurburgring's managing director, Walter Kafitz, told Autosport magazine: "Definitely we are not available for next year, we are planning only for 2011.

"Bernie could manage it [a reduction in the fee], but I cannot imagine that he is willing to accept my wish."

Kafitz remains optimistic that compromise will be reached, however, saying: "I can't imagine having no F1 year in Germany. I am very optimistic that we get Germany a solution for every year."