Bernie Ecclestone "surprised" by German Grand Prix axe

Bernie Ecclestone has said he is "surprised" that the German Grand Prix will not go ahead next year.

The race at Hockenheim was scratched from the 2017 schedule earlier this week due to financial difficulties for the event.

"I'm not frustrated, just surprised," the F1 supremo said in Abu Dhabi, according to Globo.

"What else does Germany need to be interested in F1? They have drivers and a winning team. The only question mark now is Brazil, but we are solving it.

"I hope it will be resolved soon," Ecclestone added, referring to the historic Interlagos race.

Ecclestone also hinted that a deal is in place for the Italian Grand Prix after "many handshakes" with Italian officials about 2017 and beyond, despite n contract actually being signed.

"After all, they are Italian," Ecclestone smiled.

"It could not be signed this week because they wanted to change some things in the contract, which we accept," he revealed.

Malaysia is another race that will be ending once their current deal expires, but Ecclestone harbours no resentment.

"They are good people. I never had problems with them," he said

He also played down fears that the Singapore Grand Prix could be next to go

"They (Singapore organisers) said to me 'We've paid well in the last ten years, so we want it to be cheaper'," said Ecclestone. "I do not want to lose Singapore."