Nuerburg, Germany  - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has cancelled a planned visit Thursday to the opening of a new leisure centre at the Nuerburgring circuit ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix, the company that runs the track confirmed Tuesday.

The Nuerburgring GmBH company refused to give reasons for the cancellation, saying only that the 78-year-old had informed it of his decision in a phone call.

Ecclestone has suffered sustained criticism following comments made last Friday to The Times newspaper where he praised Adolf Hitler for his ability "to get things done."

On Monday, Guenther Oettinger, prime minister of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, cancelled a meeting scheduled with Ecclestone for this Sunday at the Nuerburgring over the financially troubled Hockenheimring because of the remarks.

Ecclestone reacted with surprise to the news.

"As far as I'm concerned I am to meet him at 12 o'clock on Sunday. Nobody has said anything to the contrary to me," he said.

Ecclestone's statements have also led to a furore among Jewish groups, including the World Jewish Congress, but he has claimed his comments were misinterpreted.

It remains unclear whether the Briton will make an appearance at this weekend's German GP.(dpa)