Bernie Ecclestone has revealed the Nurburgring is unlikely to host the German grand prix next year.
The circuit was listed on the leaked provisional calendar that was doing the rounds in the Singapore paddock last weekend, but the Nurburgring’s precarious financial situation has also been well documented.
F1 chief executive Ecclestone confirmed: "We are just looking at Hockenheim every year.
"We have got no contract with the Nurburgring but we are talking. It would be like starting from scratch," he told the Financial Times Deutschland.
A Nurburgring spokesman confirmed the talks with Ecclestone and said officials are "in good spirits".
But, just two days before the FIA needs to ratify a 2013 calendar at the World Motor Sport Council, it is surprising the Nurburging officials are so bullish.
"If it is not supported by the region it is going to be difficult at the minute," said Ecclestone.
"We are pretty close to the final deadline," he added.