Circuit Guide: Nurburgring

Circuit Characteristics
Due to lacking in high-speed corners, the circuit is of a reasonably high-downforce nature, therefore relatively easy on the tyres and brakes. To maximise their performance, teams must conquer good traction out of the corners, particularly the hairpins, and finding the best possible compromise between downforce and straight-line speed. With the circuit situated close to the Eifel Mountains, the weather can often play a decisive role in the weekend's outcome.

A tight and twisty circuit, the lap begins on the Pit Straight where speeds reach a maximum of 285kph. Taking the Castrol S curve in second gear and exiting it in third at 175kph, the drivers make their way down a short straight and are greeted by a tight left, prior to a tight right - the Ford Kurve - taken in second gear.

This leads them on to the Dunlop Kehre hairpin, which is taken at 120kph with a G-force of 2.6. Then attacking the Shell Kurve taken in fifth gear, they are on another short straight before a sharp break at a third-gear left hander, which leads on to Bit-Kurve, a third-gear right-hander taken at 180kph.

This takes the drivers on to the back straight with a sweeping right kink - the Hatzenbects Boden - that takes them on to the second section of the straight. Then taking the Veedol Schikane corner in second gear, they come round the Rohmer Kurve at 160kph to come back on to the Pit Straight to start another flying lap!

Where to Watch
There are the obvious must-goes and black spots on any grand prix circuit. Here we take a look at the places to be (or not to be!) seen.

Pit Straight:
With Gold Grandstands 1-4 placed along the Pit Straight, you are guaranteed action at the start of the race and in the pit lane, as well as seeing cars exiting the final corner and entering the first one, depending on your position. Near parking Zone A, there are two television screens on which to watch the action, so even if you see little on track excitement, you'll be sure to be kept up to date with the latest happenings.

Dunlop Kehre:
With Silver and Bronze Grandstands available, you can see the cars approaching the corner in fifth gear, and make their way around to the Shell Kurve. A spot probably better suited to race day action rather than qualifying, you are promised one of the best seats in the house.

Shell Kurve:
Again has seating available in either the Silver or Bronze zones. Seeing the cars come round from the Dunlop Kehre, through the Shell Kurve and along the short straight that follows means you'll have enough time to see the cars at their best.

Veedol Schikane:
With seating available on the in and outside of the track, you get to watch the cars coming off the back straight and wrestling over the curbs of the chicane, before making their way to the Coca-Cola Kurve. A good sport for any day of the racing weekend.

As usual, the general admission tickets are available with banking areas all around the circuit. Make sure you have plenty of time to find your preferred spot as it will inevitably be busy!

Racing History
With the rise of Michael Schumacher during the nineties, Germany needed another grand prix to cope with demand. Call in the Nurburgring, which was given the European Grand Prix in 1995 and 1996.

In 1997 the race was renamed the Luxembourg Grand Prix owing to the European title being kept back in case Portugal's safety modifications weren't completed in time. Indeed this was the case and the reserve track of Jerez was brought in instead, taking the name with it.

Today the Nurburgring keeps the tag of Luxembourg, but is a shadow of the fourteen-mile long track called Nordschleife. Hosting the event twenty-two times between 1951 and 1976, it was taken off the calendar following the near-death of Niki Lauda, thus moving the German Grand Prix to Hockenheim.

The Nurburgring is liked by drivers and has witnessed some thrilling races. In 1995 Schumacher battled fiercely with Alesi to all but secure the title, while in 1997 the Schumacher brothers collided on a first-lap incident, with both retiring there and then. 1998 saw McLaren deliver a thundering blow to Ferrari's strategic crown, while last season saw the weather give Stewart Grand Prix their only victory.

Places To Go
The city is easily covered on foot and most of the more scenic sights are along the southern rim of the town. The old town is split into two pedestrian squares and each offer surreal parks and photographic scenery, with the modern town being across the Petrusse Valley to the south. Either way, it is full of historical and cultural landmarks as well as shopping opportunities.

There are plenty of art and history museums you can visit if this takes your fancy, and instead of listing the whole directory out now, we can direct you to the tourist web site with all relevant information.

Point your browser to: www.luxembourg-city.lu/touristinfo.