01.08.2026
A year before its 100th anniversary, the Nürburgring is a versatile event venue that hosts a wide range of events alongside thrilling motor racing. The origins of the development that led to today’s Nürburgring – comprising the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife – date back over 50 years. At the centre of events in the 1970s was a man whose accident on the Nordschleife marks its 50th anniversary this year: Niki Lauda. During the so-called ‘Golden Age of Motorsport’ in the 1950s and 1960s, car racing was many times more dangerous than it is today. Following a series of tragic accidents on racetracks around the world, drivers developed a new awareness of their health. This sparked a debate in the late 1960s about safety in motor racing, which primarily concerned the 22.835-kilometre-long Nürburgring. Too unsafe, too dangerous, and in many respects no longer fit for purpose – that was the verdict of many racing drivers. The Formula 1 boycott of the Eifel circuit in 1970 led to extensive safety modifications, carried out in stages over several years, during which the character of the Nürburgring underwent a fundamental transformation. Formula 1 deemed the modifications sufficient the following year and returned to the Eifel, initially for two periods of three years each. Even though serious accidents continued to occur from time to time despite the safety measures, the premier class returned to the Nürburgring again in the summer of 1976 – for what was to be the last race at the Eifel circuit for the time being, due to the expiring contract. Despite the extensive improvements, however, voices were once again raised in the run-up to this event – notably that of Niki Lauda – arguing that the combination of the Nordschleife and Formula 1 was simply too dangerous and that the race should be cancelled. As is well known, the 1976 Grand Prix went ahead as planned nonetheless. In the second lap of the race, however, it was none other than the Austrian – who had been met with hostility by many fans over the race weekend for his comments against the Nürburgring – who lost control of his Ferrari 312T2 in the left-hand bend at the Bergwerk section. The car crashed through the safety barriers, struck the embankment and was hurled back onto the track in flames. Other cars were unable to swerve out of the way; Lauda was left unconscious in the burning Ferrari and survived only thanks to the successful rescue efforts of some of his fellow drivers. This incident made it clear even to the Nürburgring’s supporters that new solutions were needed. Although the race was later restarted, 1 August 1976 marks a turning point in the long history of the Nürburgring. In the aftermath of the race, with the events still fresh in everyone’s minds, the idea that Formula 1 would return seemed out of the question. Lauda, who had spoken out against a Grand Prix with Formula 1 cars at the Nürburgring but did not reject the circuit itself, fought his way back into the cockpit in the weeks that followed despite suffering extremely serious injuries, and only narrowly missed out on the 1976 World Championship. When reflecting on the events of the summer of 1976, it is often claimed that Lauda’s accident was the main and sole reason for the Nordschleife being dropped as the venue for the German Grand Prix. Accusations arose from many quarters that Lauda was the ‘gravedigger of Formula 1 at the Nordschleife’. However, the final decision on this matter was not taken immediately after the race in August 1976. It was not until March 1977, after many factors had been considered, that Formula 1 drivers’ representatives decided, following a track inspection, that no further top-flight races would take place on the Nordschleife. To blame Lauda personally for the withdrawal of Formula 1 from the Nürburgring in the mid-1970s would therefore be just as wrong as to claim that his stance caused long-term damage to the Nürburgring. Rather, it can be said that the absence of the country’s most important sporting event, combined with the Austrian’s words of warning, set in motion a process of reflection which ultimately led to the decision to build the Grand Prix circuit. This new, significantly shorter circuit – designed first and foremost with safety in mind – was intended to secure the future of the Nürburgring and, with it, the future of an entire region. Construction work began in November 1981, and the new circuit was opened in May 1984. Ayrton Senna, who was still a much lesser-known figure at the time, won the inaugural race, which was attended not only by several Formula 1 world champions but also by Lauda himself, who was full of praise for the new circuit. Since the mid-1980s, the Grand Prix circuit has been a key factor in the future of the Nürburgring. One man, whom many would probably not have expected, played a part in improving safety on the new circuit: Niki Lauda. Having drawn attention to safety issues on the Nordschleife in the mid-1970s, he now used his experience to help develop the Nürburgring further. Even though this circuit had left a lasting mark on his life, Lauda – who passed away in 2019 – contributed in many ways to securing the future of the Nürburgring. His legacy in relation to the Nürburgring lies in the transformation he initiated – and this transformation has helped to make the Nürburgring what it is today: the world’s most beautiful race track, which, even in its 99th year of existence, continues to attract countless fans from all over the world to the Eifel.
30.07.2026
This coming Saturday (1 August), the traditional KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen will take centre stage as the season highlight of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. With 50 percent more racing than the regular four-hour events, the six-hour spectacle on the legendary Nordschleife promises even more action, strategy and drama. With favourable weather conditions forecast, the entry list features a thrilling and diverse field: from brand-new GT3 projects and emotional comebacks to unique grassroots racing stories. Tickets are here available from 25 Euro, while youngsters up to and including the age of 14 enjoy free admission. Fans unable to attend in person can follow all the action live and free of charge from 08:15 (race start at 12:00) via the official livestream. A rolling work of art celebrating family: Tribute to the Porsche MuseumThe six-hour race will feature a historic highlight on the Nordschleife. An exclusively designed Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport serves as a rolling work of art, creating a bridge between history, architecture and modern customer racing. What makes this project particularly special is the family spirit behind it: for this one-off appearance, the teams from Porsche Heritage and Museum, the motorsport specialists from Weissach, and Team 75 Motorsport are working hand in hand. The car pays tribute to Porsche's successful GT4 customer racing heritage while also marking the farewell of the very last mid-engine race car of this model line built in Zuffenhausen, featuring a design inspired by the futuristic architecture of the Porsche Museum. The spectacular anniversary entry will be driven by two true Nordschleife icons and Porsche brand ambassadors: Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister. Both bring extensive Eifel experience to the cockpit – Bernhard has celebrated ten overall victories in the NLS, while Bergmeister has claimed two overall wins. For the first time, the two Nordschleife legends will share the cockpit of a GT4 race car and are eagerly looking forward to the challenge, with the Eifel circuit being one of their favourite tracks. Coming out of retirement: Passion and high-revving Civic Type R soundsProviding the perfect contrast to the factory-supported anniversary project is the entry of Mark Giesbrecht, Frank Kuhlmann and Michael Flehmer, who perfectly embody the diversity and grassroots character of the NLS. The trio consists of genuine Nordschleife veterans. Flehmer leads the group with an impressive 42 class victories and crowned his career with the overall NLS title in 2014 alongside Rolf Derscheid. Giesbrecht and Kuhlmann complete the experienced line-up, each having celebrated 26 class victories in the series. The fact that their faithful Honda Civic Type R will line up for the six-hour race is an emotional twist in their season plans and perhaps only the beginning of their return, as Giesbrecht explains: "For us, it's basically a comeback from retirement. We originally planned to compete in the DHLM this year, but had to postpone those plans due to scheduling conflicts. After sitting on the sidelines for half a season, we simply couldn't stay away any longer. We decided at short notice to enter the six-hour race and if everything goes well, we'll definitely add one or two more races this season. Everyone in the team was immediately excited, and we're really looking forward to bringing a genuine two-litre Group H car back to the fans on the Nordschleife." Long-awaited racing comeback: Ralf Aron returns after injuryGT3 fans can look forward to an emotional highlight. Around five months after his serious accident at the Bathurst 12 Hour, Mercedes-AMG Performance driver Ralf Aron is returning to racing. The 28-year-old Estonian, who suffered two fractured vertebrae in February, will make his comeback in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL during the seventh NLS round. Following months of intensive rehabilitation, Aron is delighted to be back: "The motorsport community gave me incredible strength during this time. After rehabilitation and intensive training, everything immediately felt right again during the tests in May. I'm even happier now that my first race weekend is finally here." He will share the cockpit with newly crowned 24h Nürburgring winner Luca Stolz, who celebrates his 31st birthday during the race weekend. GT3 category continues to grow: New projects with long-term ambitionsSpeaking of GT3, the NLS's premier category welcomes several exciting new additions for the season highlight. Alongside the established contenders, several teams are launching fresh projects—many with long-term ambitions. One particularly exciting debut comes from American team ERA Motorsport, well known from IMSA competition. The team will field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO customer racing car on the Nordschleife for the first time, entering Kyle Tilley, Adam Christodoulou and Jake Hill in the SP9 Pro-Am class. Another eye-catching return comes from Dörr Motorsport, entering the spectacular McLaren 720S GT3 in SP9 Am for brothers Ben Dörr and Phil Dörr, alongside Nordschleife legend Volker Strycek. Reigning NLS champions FK Performance Motorsport will also reach a major milestone. After securing last year's overall title, the Bremen-based team makes its GT3 debut on the Nordschleife with a BMW M4 GT3 Evo driven by an impressive quartet consisting of BMW factory driver Dan Harper, Leyton Fourie, Maxime Oosten and Pavel Lefterov. Meanwhile, Joos Sportwagentechnik is making the long-term step into SP9 Am with a Porsche 911 GT3 R for team owner Michael Joos, Nordschleife regular Fidel Leib, and Marco Lamsouguer. Their ambitions extend far beyond the six-hour race, as Joos explains: "Since our test last year, we've been working on our own GT3 programme for the Nordschleife. We'll compete in the remaining four NLS races this season with the 911 GT3 R. Our goal is to gain as much experience as possible and build a solid foundation for a long-term commitment to the series." Completing the line-up is team up2race, making its NLS debut with its gold-coloured Porsche 911 GT3 R, affectionately nicknamed "Goldy". In SP9 Pro-Am, DTM star and former sim racer Tim Heinemann will share the cockpit with former professional footballer Oleksii Kikireshko, whom Heinemann also coaches. International star power and Permit A challenge at Four MotorsSustainable racing team Four Motors also adds a fascinating story to the entry list. Their Bioconcept Car #420 (Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport) will be shared by an outstanding international trio: Australian WEC driver and Le Mans class winner Yasser Shahin, reigning Porsche Junior Marcus Amand from France, and Italian Enzo Trulli, son of former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli.For all three drivers, the seventh NLS round also represents an important milestone as they complete their DMSB Permit Nordschleife A in the Bioconcept race car, securing the highest licence level required for future appearances in the top classes of the Green Hell. Tickets for the race weekend cost 25 Euro (children up to and including the age of 14 receive free admission) and are available here as well as at the ticket offices on site. The ticket includes access to the open grandstands at the Grand Prix circuit, the spectator areas at Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten, as well as the paddock, pit lane and starting grid.Qualifying takes place on Saturday morning from 08:30 to 10:00. Afterwards, fans can get up close to the cars and drivers during the Pitwalk in the pit lane from 10:20, followed by the Gridwalk on the starting grid from 11:10. The six-hour race begins at 12:00.Those unable to attend can tune in to the official livestream from 11:15 or follow the action via Radio Nürburgring on rpr1.de and in the RPR1 App.
29.07.2026
Anyone wishing to experience the BELMOT Oldtimer-Grand-Prix in all its glory at the Nürburgring from 7 to 90 August should not just focus on the action on the track. In the paddocks, the AMG Arena and on the ring°boulevard, visitors can see historic racing cars up close. There will also be exhibitions, panel discussions, autograph sessions and plenty of activities organised by our partners. There are also special programme features: dragster show runs, a Le Mans-style start demonstration, the Formula Heritage fan vote and a talk by motorcycling legend Helmut Dähne are just a few of the many highlights in the supporting programme. And best of all: access to the paddock is already included in every ticket. Anyone strolling around the event grounds over the weekend will come across numerous highlights. In the Grand Prix paddock, visitors can view the competing vehicles from most racing series up close, whilst the Historic Paddock is home to the pre-war sports cars of the Vintage Sports Car Trophy and the historic motorbikes of the GrabTheFlag! riders’ association. There will also be opportunities to meet drivers and motorsport legends: Autograph sessions are planned at the Motor-Klassik tent, whilst at the BELMOT stand, Jan Schmitz will be hosting panel discussions with guests from the worlds of racing, the classic car scene and the automotive market. For selected races, he will also be providing commentary on the cars and drivers in the pre-start area before they head out onto the track. Schnitzer Classic brings together original historic vehicles and former racing partners in panel discussions, with many of them taking the time to answer questions in detail: As a tribute to the unforgettable Herbert Schnitzer Sr., Schnitzer Classic will feature not only an impressive line-up of cars but also panel discussions with the prominent drivers taking part. The discussions will be expertly moderated by Karsten Arndt, the man behind the popular classic car podcast ‘Alte Schule’. The weekend’s winners will also be on display on the podium, which takes centre stage after each race. To complement the ClassOne Revival on the circuit, supported by BMW Classic, Audi will also be showcasing vehicles from its more recent motorsport history on the Sport Renntruck, such as the RS5 DTM (2020) and the R18 (2015). A real eye-catcher there: the original 2020 DTM winner’s trophy. A race weekend with spectacular extrasThe “programme alongside the programme” is making a big impression this year. Dragster show runs will bring blistering acceleration to the start-finish straight on Saturday and Sunday, whilst the Le Mans-style start demonstration and the subsequent fireworks display will provide the backdrop to Saturday’s evening race. Formula fans can vote for their favourites in the five Formula Heritage classes via the OGP website. The crowd favourites will be presented with ‘Design Awards’ over the weekend. Motorcycle legend Helmut Dähne will give a talk on Saturday about the highlights of his career – attendance is by prior free registration only (also via the OGP website). In addition, the multiple Tourist Trophy winner and Nordschleife record holder will be spending time in the historic motorcycles area, where his winning BMW R 90 S will also be on display. Other exhibits include the 1927 Caracciola Mercedes and a major Bugatti display in the Historic Paddock on Sunday. Spectacular vehicles will also be on show in the GP paddock in the Maserati area – where the 100th anniversary of the distinctive trident in the brand’s logo will be celebrated. OGP partners enrich the programmeThe partners of the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix are also creating additional meeting points in and around the paddock – led by BELMOT: at the stand of the event’s namesake, Jan Schmitz will be hosting panel discussions on exciting topics, and he will also be accompanying selected pre-start line-ups. The Motor-Klassik tent is the venue for the All-Star autograph sessions. There’s also a connoisseur’s competition or simply a cup of coffee for a quick break. On the ring°boulevard, Classicbid will be presenting the vehicles up for auction on Saturday from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm. In addition, the classic car specialists offer the opportunity to purchase a classic car via direct sale, even without taking part in the auction. Junghans is supporting the OGP as the Official Timing Partner and will be showcasing, amongst other things, a BMW M1 and the Toyota TF106, whilst also donating a Junghans Meister S Automatic with a special engraving to the winner of the Touring Car Golden Era. Well prepared for the OGPVisitors are advised to take a look at the event’s digital information resources. The official website is the central point of contact. There you’ll find information, news, photo galleries and more. The visitor guide, organised by area, and the fan timetable will help you plan your personal highlights of the weekend. Tickets are also available via the website – and the terms are particularly attractive: access to the paddock is included with every ticket. Families benefit in particular, as children and young people up to and including the age of 17 enjoy free entry when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Those who prefer to access information directly on their smartphone are well catered for with the onGRID app. Among other things, it brings together results lists, press releases and other up-to-date content. Important information and links Tickets and visitor information:oldtimergrandprix.com/besucher/#besuchertipps Fan schedule with all events in the supporting programme:oldtimergrandprix.com/besucher/#fan-zeitplanRegistration for Helmut Dähne’s talk:oldtimergrandprix.com/vortrag Formula Heritage Design Award’ fan vote:oldtimergrandprix.com/gewinnspiel-2026onGRID app (digital results board and further information sent directly to your mobile):ongrid.app/public
28.07.2026
August: Motorsport Month: Over the coming weeks, one top-class racing event after another will take place at the Nürburgring. The highlights will be the DTM races (14–16 August) and the Oldtimer Grand Prix (7–9 August). But the GT World Challenge (28–30 August) and the 6-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (1 August) are also definitely worth a trip to the Eifel. Here are the Nürburgring highlights for August: Two extra hours in the Green Hell: the NLS 6-hour race | 1 August 2026An extra dose of racing on the Nordschleife: the traditional 6-hour race of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie is coming up. But the seventh NLS round of the year offers far more than just two extra hours of racing. Fans can look forward to a long race day in August with a well-filled starting grid. Even after the 24-hour race, the organisers were recently delighted with high entry numbers, so we can expect well over 100 racing cars. These include lightning-fast GT cars, numerous production-based touring cars and an ever-increasing number of vehicles running on alternative fuels. For 25 euros (children under 14 free), fans gain access to the grandstands, the paddock and even the pit walk, as well as the starting grid before the race. Anyone wishing to enjoy an endurance race as an exclusive experience can opt for the VIP ticket for 295 euros, which includes a guided bus tour of the Nordschleife, a VIP shuttle to the circuit, and delicious food and drinks. There is also the ‘RACE & LUNCH’ ticket, available for 210 euros. Dream cars of yesteryear: 53rd BELMOT Classic Car Grand Prix | 7 to 9 August 2026Year after year, it’s Germany’s most beautiful automotive journey through time – and 2026 is no exception, with a star-studded line-up. On the second weekend in August, the 53rd BELMOT Classic Car Grand Prix will become a reunion of motorsport legends. Racing greats such as Uwe Alzen, Christian Danner and Leopold, Prince of Bavaria, will be getting behind the wheel once again. Meanwhile, on the tarmac of the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, a lightning-fast and thunderously loud museum of motorsport awaits: the line-up ranges from Group 5 monsters such as the fiery Ford Capri Turbo, through timeless rarities like the Porsche 550 A Spyder and Aston Martin DB4 GT, to Formula cars from various eras. Cars from the DTM – including the 2012 BMW championship-winning car – bridge the gap to the more recent past. The Saturday evening race featuring historic sports cars is traditionally a highlight. Fans can experience this feast for the eyes and ears from as little as 35 euros – including access to the paddock; the full weekend can be booked from 89 euros. Children and young people up to the age of 17 go free. The VIP packages, starting at 450 euros, promise first-class comfort in a historic setting. Big names, thrilling racing: DTM at the Nürburgring | 14 to 16 August 2026 Glock, Grello or 24-hour winner Maro Engel: in mid-August, the big names in German motorsport will return to the Nürburgring. At stake is the DTM crown – for more than 40 years, THE racing series in our country. Their arena? The Nürburgring’s sprint circuit: 3.629 kilometres – short, tight and renowned for lap-after-lap battles for position. Fans can look forward to two days of racing on Saturday and Sunday (each featuring qualifying and a race), spectacular pit stops and a diverse line-up of cars from eight different manufacturers. The DTM offers plenty to keep you entertained for a long day of racing in the Eifel – or even a whole weekend. Whether it’s the supporting races such as the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup, the numerous stands and attractions in and around the paddock (included in the admission price), or up-close experiences such as the pit walk with an autograph session or the Track Safari. Day tickets for race days are available from 49 euros, and weekend tickets from 69 euros. Also available: ‘RACE&LUNCH’ options (from 280 euros) and VIP packages from 450 euros. Classic two-wheelers to marvel at: Cologne Circuit | 22–23 August 2026On the fourth weekend in August, the engines certainly don’t fall silent – they simply change a gear. The MSC Porz invites you to the traditional Cologne Circuit on the Grand Prix track. This event has been a fixture since 1991 and will be held this year as an official round of the VFV German Historic Motorcycle Championship. Vintage motorcycle enthusiasts can marvel at historic racing machines from various eras. The absolute crowd favourites are the spectacular starts of the vintage sidecars and the high-speed races of the supersport bikes and superbikes. Day tickets are available from 10 euros and – like all tickets this weekend – include free access to the grandstand and the paddock. 60 GT cars and motorcycling icon Rossi: GT World Challenge | 28 to 30 August 2026 60 supercars on a 5.1-kilometre Grand Prix circuit: there’ll be plenty of traffic on the track during the GT World Challenge powered by AWS’s guest appearance. The world’s largest GT series will deliver thrilling duels during its 3-hour race on Sunday. The field of entrants is huge – and, at the same time, packed with top-class contenders. The starting line-up includes Nordschleife favourites such as the ROWE BMW, the Red Bull-branded Mercedes-AMG from Verstappen Racing and the powerful Ford Mustang from HRT. Experience suggests that the biggest crowds will gather around the number 46 BMW: motorbike legend Valentino Rossi will be behind the wheel – and spectators can be there to watch. Tickets grant free access to the paddock and are available from 10 euros (weekend ticket: 40 euros). A special treat awaits as part of the supporting programme: in the new GT3 Revival Series, rare legendary sports cars such as the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLS will take to the track. The Nürburgring highlights in August 2026: 31 July – 2 August: Nürburgring Drift Cup 1 August: ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (6-hour race) 7–9 August: 53rd BELMOT Classic Car Grand Prix 14–16 August: DTM 22–23 August: Kölner Kurs 28–30 August: GT World Challenge powered by AWS
27.07.2026
From 2027, the Nürburgring 24 Hours will be put on a broader footing. To this end, ADAC Nordrhein, as the organiser, has launched the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours Series. In addition to the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the 24h Qualifiers, there will in future be a 24h Prologue to mark the start of the season, giving teams and drivers even more extensive testing opportunities ahead of the four-day highlight of the Nordschleife season. The new racing series also includes two summer events, which will be run in accordance with the technical regulations of the 24h Nürburgring. These will take place as part of the traditional ADAC Eifelrennen and the ADAC 1000km race, both organised by DAMC 05 Veranstaltungs-GmbH. All events in the new series will be held on the 24h circuit variant, comprising the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife. “We are thereby responding to the wishes of many teams who wanted compact and targeted preparation for the ‘race of the year’ on the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” explains Walter Hornung, sporting director of ADAC North Rhine-Westphalia. “At the same time, this allows us to extend the extremely positive development of the 24h Nürburgring over the past few years to other events, which will be organised entirely along the lines of the 24h.” Numerous benefits for registered racing teamsThe standardised format for events, regulations and organisation are not the only benefits for registered teams and drivers in the new 24h Series. They also benefit from a reduced entry fee and a guaranteed starting place for the 24h Nürburgring. At the same time, the planned prize money is intended to help cover the costs of the teams’ participation. The organisers also expect a number of teams to take part in both the 24h Series and the German Historic Endurance Championship. For these teams, competing in both series will create a range of synergies – for example, in terms of logistics for the shared racing events. Special offers for fansThe new 24h Nürburgring Series is also set to be a real treat for Nordschleife fans. Whether via the famously comprehensive and high-quality live stream, the live timing and race ticker on the 24h website, or the social media channels followed by hundreds of thousands of fans: the new series will launch with media coverage of the highest standard. At the same time, special offers are planned for visitors at the venue – such as a season ticket of sorts or special camping packages for the various events. Planned 2027 event calendarIn its inaugural 2027 season, the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Series will comprise five events featuring a total of six races: 24h Nürburgring Prologue: 2–3 April 2027 (Friday/Saturday)* 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers: 30 April – 2 May 2027 (Friday – Sunday)** ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring: 27–30 May 2027 (Thursday – Sunday)** ADAC Eifel Race: 30 July – 1 August 2027 (Friday – Sunday)* ADAC 1000 km Race: 10–12 September 2027 (Friday – Sunday)* *provisional / ** confirmed
26.07.2026
“The weather gods must be cyclists. We had sunshine right up until the finish at 12.15 pm,” says chief organiser Hanns-Martin Fraas, delighted with Rad am Ring 2026. However, the Nürburgring is apparently not only favoured by the gods, but also by cycling fans: Time trials, mass-participation and gravel races, touring rides, a kids’ race, Bundesliga races and the 24-hour race attracted a total of 12,152 participants to the race circuit in the Eifel – more than ever before. Cycling round the clock“After a thoroughly impressive Saturday, the night got off to a quiet start. The highlight in every respect was the ‘Hohe Acht’, where the DJ turned night into day. It was a huge cycling festival, where the 6,344 participants rightly celebrated themselves. As the finish line was crossed – a process that took around one hour and fifteen minutes – I saw mostly happy, though sometimes a little exhausted, faces,” summed up Hanns-Martin Fraas, head of organisation, as the flagship event of ‘Rad am Ring’ drew to a close: the 24-hour race – solo, in teams of two, four or eight – which once again shone with team spirit, fairness and discipline, even if “at what I consider to be an absolutely magnificent event, crashes always remain a fly in the ointment. Although we had significantly fewer this year than usual, we unfortunately had five serious ones. We hope those involved in the accidents will be back on their feet soon,” said Hanns-Martin Fraas. The German Cycling League race at the Nürburgring ended with a sprint finish by a small breakaway group of five riders, won by Mil Morang (LUX) of Team Lotto Kern-Haus Outlet Montabaur ahead of Jermaine Zemke (GER) of Team Rembe/rad-net and Timo Behrens (GER) in a time of 2:45:05. This was followed by another breakaway group, before the peloton crossed the finish line. With today’s Bundesliga race, the cycling community bids farewell to the Green Hell this Sunday. “Everyone is a winner in their own way at Rad am Ring. It’s all become a bit more spectacular, and we’re looking forward to returning to the Nürburgring from 23 to 25 July 2027,” announced Hanns-Martin Fraas. The results of the 24-hour races | As of 26 July 2026, 3.00 pmIn the individual road bike category, Simon Vitzthum (SUI) from 24together completed the most laps – 28 – in 23:55:18 hours. Paul Fleck (GER) from RSG Hannover took 24:31:43 hours to complete the same number of laps. With 26 laps, Lion Trommer (GER) from Radsport Ganser/R.C. Sturmvogel MH took third place. In the women’s category, Jael Kahler (GER) claimed victory with 21 laps in 23:46:28 hours. They were followed by Petra Demmer (GER) from pwrd by Canyon, who completed 21 laps in 24:20:47 hours, and Manu Weber (SUI) with 20 laps. In the men’s pairs category, WattGehtAb? (SUI) completed the most laps of the circuit, namely 31. With 30 laps in 23:49:28 hours, Reboots Bike Team 1 (GER) came in second, ahead of Örebrocyklisterna rule 4 (SWE), who also completed 30 laps in 24:05:59 hours. The women’s pairs category was won by Übersee-Watt 2 (GER) with 26 laps in 23:51:36 hours. Second and third places went to Fahrrad XXL Walcher Racing Dream (GER), who also completed 26 laps in 24:07:30 hours, and the Paul Lange Cycling Crew Girls (GER), who took 24:41:47 hours to complete 26 laps. In the men’s four-person team category, Team Strassacker/Benotti (GER) completed the most laps of the circuit with 34. Just one lap behind them were the Asphaltcowboys X RTS Electronic (GER). Completing the podium were bike-components x CycleZirkus (GER) with 32 laps. With 29 laps, the Wahoo Women (GER) secured first place in the women’s four-person category. Behind them were the 24together Queens (SUI) and the Mallorca Chicas (GER), each completing 28 laps in 24:08:49 and 24:25:00 hours respectively. The teams of eight also racked up a fair number of kilometres. In the men’s category, RH77 Ledschends Factory Racing (AUT) led the way with 34 laps in 24:00:48 hours. AVIA II (GER) and AVIA I (GER) completed the same number of laps in 24:38:09 and 24:38:10 hours respectively – which was more than enough for second and third places. In the women’s 8-person team category, the AVIA Women (GER) completed 26 laps of the circuit. This secured them victory in this category. Behind them came Team Hübel Bonn II (GER) with 24 laps and Sweco Fast & Female (GER) with two laps fewer.
17.07.2026
Shortly after the start and finish area, on a plateau near the village of Nürburg, the construction site led downhill. The route descended for several kilometres towards Müllenbach. In the Bränkekopf area, a series of treacherous bends in quick succession were constructed, which later became known as the ‘Hexenkurven’ (Witches’ Bends). Whilst the track was being laid, shortly after the 2-kilometre mark – in the Aschenschlag area – the workers discovered the remains of a Roman manor house dating back almost 2,000 years. This gave the section the nickname “Hüsgen”, which refers to the ruins. After construction, the remains of the walls were forgotten and only came to light again during the construction of the Grand Prix circuit between November 1981 and May 1984. Today, they can be found next to the country road that used to be the southern loop." ℹ️ The Nürburgring opened in 1927. As part of #Roadto100, we are looking back at various milestones in our long history in the run-up to our big anniversary year!
16.07.2026
José Miranda of BYD explains in an interview why the Nürburgring is an important development location for the company. Since when has your company been using the Nürburgring for test and development activities, and what role does the Nordschleife play in your development work today?YANGWANG began using the Nürburgring for test and development activities in June 2024, with testing programs conducted from June to November 2024 and again from July to November 2025. DENZA’s Nürburgring testing activities started in October 2025, with an initial program from October to November 2025 and further testing planned from April to October 2026. For both brands, the Nordschleife plays an important role as part of our international development and validation work. It allows our engineering teams to evaluate vehicle dynamics, braking performance, thermal management, chassis behavior, stability, durability and overall vehicle confidence in an extremely demanding environment. The Nordschleife is not only a test track for us; it is a comprehensive development tool that helps ensure our products meet high expectations in global markets. There are numerous test facilities around the world. From your perspective, what makes the Nordschleife unique, and what insights can be gained here that are difficult or even impossible to obtain elsewhere?The Nordschleife is unique because it combines many different driving conditions within one lap: high-speed sections, elevation changes, compressions, surface variations, heavy braking zones, blind corners and a wide range of corner types. Many proving grounds are designed to evaluate specific vehicle characteristics in a controlled way. The Nordschleife, by contrast, challenges the entire vehicle as a complete system.This makes it especially valuable for understanding how different systems interact under sustained load. It is not only about peak performance, but also about consistency, repeatability, driver confidence and how the vehicle behaves when mechanical, thermal, electronic and software systems are working together under demanding conditions. What role do factors such as the track layout, infrastructure, the surrounding automotive ecosystem, as well as the Nürburgring’s history and reputation play in this context?The track layout is one of the key reasons why the Nürburgring remains so relevant for vehicle development. It provides very direct feedback on steering precision, braking stability, suspension tuning, traction, energy management and high-speed balance. For engineers, this makes the Nordschleife an extremely efficient environment to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for refinement. The surrounding automotive ecosystem is also highly important. The availability of experienced partners, workshops, logistics support and testing services makes the location practical and efficient for international development work. In addition, the history and reputation of the Nürburgring give testing activities there a special significance. Development work at the Nordschleife is recognized globally as a serious technical benchmark. Your company is not headquartered in Germany. Why do you invest the effort required to bring personnel, vehicles and components to the Nürburgring?The investment is justified because the Nürburgring provides development value that goes far beyond distance or logistics. As international brands, YANGWANG and DENZA need to validate their products in environments that are recognized and respected by customers, engineers and media around the world. Bringing personnel, vehicles and components to Germany allows our teams to work directly in one of the most demanding and established automotive development environments. The insights gained there help us refine our products for global markets and ensure that our engineering standards are tested against internationally recognized benchmarks. What significance does the Nürburgring have for the perception of your brand and products, both in your home markets and internationally?The Nürburgring has strong technical and symbolic significance. In our home market, testing at the Nordschleife demonstrates a commitment to international standards and shows that our products are being developed and validated in demanding global environments. Internationally, it helps communicate seriousness, engineering quality and credibility. For YANGWANG, the Nürburgring supports a performance- and technology-oriented brand image. For DENZA, it reinforces the perception of a premium brand focused on quality, confidence, refinement and product maturity. In both cases, the Nürburgring provides a respected context in which technical capability can be developed, validated and communicated. What role does the Nordschleife play for companies seeking to strengthen or expand their credibility and market presence in Europe?The Nordschleife plays an important role because it is widely understood in Europe as one of the most demanding environments for vehicle development. European customers and industry observers place high value on handling, braking confidence, stability, durability and repeatable performance. Testing at the Nürburgring shows that a company is willing to engage with these expectations seriously. For companies expanding their presence in Europe, the Nordschleife is therefore more than a test location. It is a credibility benchmark. It helps demonstrate that product development is not limited to internal standards, but is also measured against one of the most respected references in the global automotive industry. How do you integrate the Nürburgring into the communication surrounding your product development, and what significance do record laps or other publicly communicated test results have in this context?We see the Nürburgring first and foremost as a development environment. Communication around the Nordschleife should therefore be based on authentic engineering work: testing, calibration, validation and continuous improvement. It is important that any communication reflects the substance of the development process and not only the symbolic value of the location. Record laps or publicly communicated test results can create attention and can be meaningful when they are transparent, credible and connected to real product development. However, the broader value of the Nürburgring is not limited to a single number. For us, it is about demonstrating technical ambition, engineering discipline and the ability to develop vehicles that perform with confidence under demanding conditions.
16.07.2026
Max Fiebig of Subaru explains in an interview why the Nürburgring is an important development location for the company. How long has your company been using the Nürburgring for testing and development activities, and what role does the Nordschleife play in your development work today?The programme began in 1989 as a crucial phase in the development of the Legacy for the European market. Since 1992, starting with the first generation of the Impreza WRX (GC series), the circuit has been used continuously as a fully-fledged development facility. For SUBARU/STI, the Nürburgring Nordschleife serves both as an early-stage development environment and as the ‘final testing ground for vehicle development’, and is regarded as ‘the place where weaknesses inevitably come to light’. It is described as ‘the world’s most demanding collection of public roads’ – a circuit that replicates real-world driving conditions to the very limit. There are numerous test facilities around the world. In your view, what makes the Nordschleife so unique, and what insights can be gained here that are difficult or impossible to obtain elsewhere?Over its 20.8 km length, the Nürburgring Nordschleife combines every possible situation that can occur on public roads – including high-speed sections, slow-speed sections, bumps, unevenness, uneven road surfaces and steep gradients. Furthermore, the Eifel region is known for its highly changeable climate, where conditions resembling all four seasons can occur within a single day. SUBARU regards this circuit as a ‘microcosm of the world’s roads’ and uses it to evaluate the driving dynamics of both development vehicles and production models. The “benchmark for the SUBARU/STI driving experience” is based on insights that can only be gained here. ・Stability at high speeds・Steering response・Traction provided by the symmetrical all-wheel drive・Tyre grip influenced by the bodywork and chassisThese factors serve as criteria for determining whether a vehicle offers the ‘typical SUBARU driving experience’. What role do factors such as the track layout, infrastructure, the surrounding automotive ecosystem, and the history and reputation of the Nürburgring play in this context?As mentioned earlier, SUBARU/STI regards the Nordschleife as a race track that offers an extreme, realistic simulation of driving conditions – a crucial element in the development of better cars. However, thanks to the efforts of the Nürburgring’s staff to preserve its traditions, the circuit is regarded as one of the most demanding race tracks both within and outside the automotive industry. Consequently, we believe that it has taken on a role not only as a platform for better product development, but also as a marketing tool that builds trust in the market. Your company is not headquartered in Germany. Why do you go to the trouble of transporting staff, vehicles and components to the Nürburgring?We have great respect for all German car manufacturers and the Nürburgring. The driving experience and handling of German cars set them apart from those of other countries – not only at the Nürburgring, but also in everyday road traffic, for example when changing lanes on the motorway or navigating roundabouts. We can learn so much from German road conditions and the country’s advanced motoring culture, and we are convinced that the benefits we derive from this far outweigh the effort involved in transporting our staff, vehicles, parts and equipment there. SUBARU also uses the Nürburgring as a global development centre and ensures that the knowledge gained there is applied not only to European models but also to vehicles worldwide. How important is the Nürburgring for the perception of your brand and your products, both in your home markets and internationally?We believe that this is also a platform on which the reliability of SUBARU/STI vehicles (the benchmark for SUBARU/STI performance) and the superiority of the boxer engine, combined with symmetrical all-wheel drive, are demonstrated, and that it serves as a solid foundation on which customers can confidently choose SUBARU/STI vehicles based on their driving performance. What role does the Nordschleife play for companies wishing to strengthen or expand their credibility and market presence in Europe?The Nürburgring Nordschleife is generally regarded as an established benchmark, meaning that testing there can contribute to reliability by demonstrating how a vehicle behaves under demanding real-world conditions. At the same time, electrification is shifting development priorities, and BEVs present different challenges compared to conventional, track-oriented applications. It is therefore necessary to validate aspects such as thermal behaviour, energy consumption and consistent performance not only through simulation, but also under the dynamic conditions of the Nordschleife. How do you incorporate the Nürburgring into your product development communications, and what significance do record lap times or other publicly communicated test results have in this context?The current SUBARU/STI aims to incorporate the insights gained from the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring into its production vehicles, with the aim of creating cars that anyone – regardless of their driving ability – can drive safely and effortlessly without tiring, and which make drivers want to keep driving them further and further. We continue to take part in this race to demonstrate this advantage. Whilst we do not deny the significance of test results such as speed records (lap times), we do not regard these as the most important factor; rather, we see the race as a pivotal event that symbolises our company’s development philosophy of sincerely and continuously striving for improvement.
