German clubs settle GP naming issue

For the first time, the Nurburgring is able to use the official name 'Grosser Preis von Deutschland' (German Grand Prix) for its 2009 formula one race.

Previously, despite the circuit's agreement to alternate the hosting rights each year with Hockenheim, the official title was owned and controlled by the AvD (Automobilclub von Deutschland).

In recent years the Nurburgring has been known as the European grand prix, because the AvD did not allow rival club ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) to use the German GP title.

The resolution of the situation, however, is the formation of a German formula one Commission under the authority of the country's motor racing governing body, the DMSB (Deutscher Motor Sport Bund).

It means the AvD and ADAC are now bundled under the same authority, resulting in both Hockenheim and the Nurburgring being able to use the official German GP title.