Nürburgring
German Grand Prix, Nürburg, Germany
German Grand Prix tickets for the Nürburgring are some of the hottest around thanks to the exciting races the track produces, but it hasn’t always been that way. The rebuilt circuit had to overcome the fans’ strong attachment to the much-loved but lethal original track, and it was only the emergence of Michael Schumacher – from nearby Kerpen – that brought the new Nürburgring back to the F1 calendar.
The variety of corners and straights make it an enjoyable drive, and there are more chances to overtake than at many circuits. The track was changed ahead of the 2002 race to create another overtaking opportunity, with the chicane at the end of the start/finish straight replaced by a sharp right-hand turn. An ‘omega-shaped’ section was also added, extending the track to 3.2 miles.
The original track was a 14-mile rollercoaster ride through the forests of south-west Germany. It was built in the 1920s around the pretty town of Nürburg, which is overlooked by the ruins of a 12th century castle. The long Nordschleife (North Loop) and Sudschleife (South Loop) could be joined together, with the pits and grandstand at the point where the two intersected.
Races were difficult to televise because so many cameras were required but, more significantly, the track was too dangerous. Jackie Stewart said “When I left home for the German Grand Prix, I always used to pause at the end of the driveway and take a long look back. I was never sure I’d come home again.”
After Niki Lauda’s bad crash in 1976, the track’s licence was revoked, and work didn’t begin on the new-look circuit until May 1982. Completion was marked by an exhibition race with a stellar line-up, including Stirling Moss, Alain Prost, James Hunt, Niki Lauda and the winner Ayrton Senna, all driving Mercedes 190Es.
After staging a couple of Grands Prix in the mid-80s, the new Ring had to survive on a diet of minor events for a decade but Schumacher’s success brought the European GP in 1995 and 1996, the Luxemburg GP in 1997 and 1998 and then the European GP again in 1999. Nürburgring is currently alternating as German Grand Prix host with Hockenheim.
Unforgettable moments in recent years include Ralf Schumacher taking out his brother at the start in 1997 and Kimi Raikkonen’s suspension failure on the last lap in 2005.
As a side show to the main race, the Nürburgring plans to build the fastest roller-coaster in the world in 2009, which will reach speeds of nearly 135 mph.
A Page & Moy escorted F1 holiday is a handy way to see the region, as Nürburg is close to some major German cities. Cologne is famous for its ‘eau’ but also has plenty of Roman remains, having been founded in 38BC. Frankfurt is Germany’s financial centre and has one of the most impressive skylines in Europe. Even nearer is the former West German capital, Bonn, which is the birthplace of Beethoven and has a pretty old town.
How to book
View our complete list of F1 packages to the German Grand Prix this year.