Europe: Nurburgring Track Facts

By Phil Huff
May 24 2005

Germany's Nurburgring is decidedly tame by comparison to its intimidating 14 mile, 174-corner predecessor, the infamous Nordschleife.

Further changes came in 2002 when the first turn was reprofiled to cut into the infield and around a new stadium section, slowing the track even more, but yielding another overtaking spot. Some superficial modifications also occurred for the 2003 race.

The current circuit remains a fairly high downforce track that is light on tyres. To achieve a competitive lap time here requires all the normal chassis attributes: good traction (particularly out of the hairpins), good chassis balance and stability under braking. As the circuit is situated close to the Eifel Mountains, weather can often play a major role in the outcome of races at the Nurburgring.