A superlative motor racing circuit
The Nürburgring as one of the most time-honoured, longest, most demanding and most used racetracks is a legend in itself. In addition to numerous music and sporting events, every year a large number of visitors experience above all motor sport in its purest form at racing events such as Formula 1, DTM (German Touring Car Masters), 24-hour race, the Superbike World Championship, truck and classic races. Amateurs and professionals in a wide range of race categories test their skills and their vehicles on two circuits: the time-honoured 20.832-kilometre Nordschleife and the modern 5.148-kilometre Grand Prix Circuit.

The legendary Nordschleife
A victory on the Nordschleife, which was opened in 1927, has a special significance for racing drivers as this course is one of the most demanding there is. Blind hidden bends, blind and tricky bumps, steep inclines and gradients as well as constantly changing road surfaces demand great skill from the driver and are a real test for the vehicles. This up-and-down course was lined with hedges up until 1970 and for this reason was given the name Green Hell or “Grüne Hölle” by the motor racing legend Jackie Stewart. It has kept the name. At the same time fans of the Nordschleife describe it as “probably the most beautiful country road in the world”. A unique cult has grown up around this circuit. Hand-written good wishes and greetings on the asphalt alongside the course are evidence of the fans’ support for the sport and for the drivers. Often hundreds of motor racing enthusiasts and Nordschleife fans set up camp along the track several days before a race begins, thus creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

The modern Grand Prix Circuit
After more than 56 years of motor racing history on the legendary Nordschleife, the time was ripe for a new chapter to be written: in 1984 the new Grand Prix Circuit at the Nürburgring was opened. The course is today 5.148 kilometres long, between 10 and 25 metres wide and offers the drivers long safety zones and gravel traps beside seven left-hand and ten right-hand bends. The Grand Prix Circuit is now therefore a modern and safe race course for top-class motor sport events. One of the top events on the Grand Prix Circuit at the Nürburgring is the king discipline in motor racing and is held here every two years - Formula 1.