SPECIAL FEATURE

NÜRBURGRING NORDSCHLEIFE

The Nürburgring Nordschleife race track in the forested Eifel mountains of northwestern Germany is recognised as the most challenging race track in the world. The 24 hour endurance event attracts drivers and teams from all over the world, keen to prove their abilities in the difficult conditions the venue always provides.

The 25.378km (15.9 mile) circuit includes the original Nordschleife (first constructed in 1927) and the modern-day F1 Grand Prix circuit (completed in 1984), and consists of 84 corners (38 left handers and 46 right handers). The combination of these tracks provides a unique set of conditions for the race driver.

First, the immense variety of corners and gradients leaves very little time to relax: high levels of concentration are required over long periods of time, a typical stint behind the wheel in the 24 hour race being more than 2 hours. To put this into perspective, this is the same duration as a typical Formula 1 race, but the endurance racing driver has to complete four such stints in 24 hours! On the Nordschleife there is also little scope for error: many corners are blind, the kerbs are extremely high, and the barriers very close to the trackside, meaning mistakes are often heavily punished by a heavily damaged car.

Second, the area is renowned for unpredictable weather conditions, with rain, hail or even snow a possibility, making race strategy an ongoing discussion. The length of the track means that part of the circuit can be dry whilst other sections may be streaming with water. A driver who has started a lap on slick tyres and then encounters rain has no choice but to complete the many remaining kilometres before a pit-stop for a tyre change can be made. In that time, the track could dry and a tyre change may in fact be inappropriate!  

Third, in the 24 hour race, more than 200 cars take the start, in a number of classes, which means there is always the risk of encountering slower cars in a difficult spot, or indeed the risk of a faster car coming past at a great speed differential. In addition, the rate of attrition can be high, especially given the variable weather conditions, and crash debris or oil is a common hazard.

Finally, all of the above have to be handled through the night as well as the day. Despite highly advanced lighting systems, the geography of the track makes visibility a major issue. It is not uncommon for drivers to return to the pits after a night-time stint with eyes wide!

The first diagram below shows the map of the circuit, with the names of the corners that have passed into legend:

The second diagram shows the altitude above sea level around the entire track. This really demonstrates the extreme gradients the drivers must negotiate during a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschliefe: 

During non-racing weeks, it is possible for members of the public to drive (or be driven!) around the Nordschleife. This is an experience not to be missed and really gives a first hand impression of this immense and incredible racing circuit.