EU Investigates State Aid in Nürburgring Sale

The European Commission has initiated an in-depth investigation regarding the 2014 sale of the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany to Capricorn Nürburgring Besitzgesellschaft GmbH, following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that criticized the lack of a formal investigation into the sale's transparency and fairness. Initially deemed compliant with EU State aid rules, the 2014 sale is now under scrutiny due to concerns about possible illegal state aid and the conditions surrounding the tender process. The Commission will examine if the decision to sell the racetrack was influenced by the German State and whether the tender's non-binding financing commitments provided an unfair advantage to Capricorn. Additionally, the investigation will consider allegations of subsequent state aid to Capricorn post-sale, including claims of a reduced sale price and deferred payments. This inquiry follows a significant history of state investment into the Nürburgring, totaling nearly half a billion euros, and aims to ensure compliance with EU regulations regarding state support.