Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said Germany could return to the Grand Prix schedule if an agreement was reached with track owners, ­according to an interview in a German magazine.

"I am sitting here with my pen and am prepared to sign a contract if they send me one," Auto Motor und Sport magazine on Wednesday quoted ­Ecclestone as saying.

F1's governing body, the ­International Automobile Federation (FIA), this year dropped the German Grand Prix from its F1 calendar for the first time since 1960.

The Nuerburgring had been due to host the July 19 race under an alternation agreement but a change of ownership and financial difficulties left ­Hockenheim as the only option.

However, with low attendances at that circuit last year, organizers were unwilling to risk a further loss with so little time to sell tickets and get ready, though they still had a contract to host the race in 2016.

"I had hoped that the new owners of the Nuerburgring would be able to agree on a contract with me, but that does not appear to be the case," Ecclestone told Auto Motor und Sport.

He also cast doubt on whether Hockenheim could continue to shoulder the financial strain of the Grand Prix.

"We really have an extremely favorable contract with Hockenheim. That won't be the case in the future anymore. They have to accept what other European countries pay, too," he said.

Asked whether next year's US Grand Prix in Austin would go ahead, Ecclestone said, "Forecasts are difficult."

The October 23 race in Texas, the only round in the US and important for teams and sponsors, is on the 2016 ­calendar with an asterisk against it, as it is subject to on agreement with the commercial rights holder.