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.
16.07.2026
Test and development runs take place on the Nordschleife for up to 17 weeks a year. Car manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world use this time to develop and test vehicles, components and new technologies under the most demanding conditions. Although many companies have their own test centres and proving grounds, they go to the considerable logistical effort of bringing vehicles, development teams and equipment from Japan, China, the USA and other countries to the Nürburgring. But why is the Nürburgring such an important development site for the international automotive industry, and why is the effort justified? “For us, the Nordschleife is far more than just a test track. It is a comprehensive development tool that enables us to ensure our vehicles meet the high expectations of international markets,” says José Miranda, Global Chief Marketing Officer at BYD and therefore responsible for the DENZA and YANGWANG brands. For Astemo, an international automotive supplier, the Nürburgring is also a special development site. Kenichi Kirihara, General Manager of the Technology Development Division for Next Generation Chassis Systems, says: “Nowhere else in the world can we find a circuit or test track where driving dynamics can be tested so comprehensively.” This statement is underpinned by the diverse parameters offered by the Nordschleife: 21 kilometres in length, 73 bends and a 300-metre elevation change over a single lap. High-speed sections, varying road surface conditions, bumps, compressions, hard braking zones and a wide variety of corner combinations following one another in quick succession place relentless demands on the entire vehicle and its components. The Nordschleife demonstrates how all components work together under real-world, sustained stress. “A microcosm of the world’s roads and a lap that reveals weaknesses”For Subaru, too, the Nürburgring has therefore held a firm place in vehicle development for decades. As early as 1989, the company used the Nordschleife as part of the development of the Legacy for the European market. Since 1992, the circuit has been a continuous part of Subaru and STI’s development work, starting with the first Impreza WRX. The company describes the Nordschleife as a place where vehicles are tested under conditions that are extremely close to real-world scenarios. “For Subaru and STI, the Nordschleife is both an early-stage development environment and the final test track for vehicle development – the place where a vehicle’s weaknesses inevitably become apparent,” explains Max Fiebig, Engineering Manager at Subaru Corporation. According to Fiebig, the Nordschleife replicates almost every situation that can occur on public roads: fast and slow sections, bumps, potholes, rough road surfaces and steep gradients. Added to this is the changeable weather in the Eifel region. For Subaru, the Nürburgring is therefore a “microcosm of the world’s roads”. Toyota, too, has been using the Nürburgring for development and testing since 1995. Over the past three decades, the Nordschleife has become an important extension of the company’s own development environment. Toyota links this to its ‘Roads make cars’ philosophy: vehicles improve where they are driven, tested and further developed under real-world conditions. Behind this lies a clear development philosophy: vehicles should be developed where they will eventually be driven. “The Nordschleife offers a unique combination of demanding driving conditions, high speeds and changing weather conditions. Here, our engineers can evaluate vehicles under conditions that cannot be fully replicated anywhere else,” explains test driver Herwig Daenens. “The insights gained there are incorporated into performance models as well as production vehicles.” According to Daenens, the aim is to develop vehicles that not only impress on the racetrack, but also instil confidence and driving pleasure in their drivers during everyday use. “The Nürburgring offers development value that goes far beyond distance and logistics”The particular significance of the Nürburgring is also evident from the effort expended by international companies. Teams travel from Japan, China and other countries; vehicles and components are brought to Germany; and development programmes are planned and carried out over months. YANGWANG began using the Nürburgring in June 2024, whilst DENZA started in October 2025. Both brands use the Nordschleife as part of their international development and validation work. This is not just about pure performance, but also about driver confidence, repeatability, thermal stability, durability and the overall quality of the vehicle. “The investment is justified because the Nürburgring offers development value that goes far beyond distance and logistics,” says José Miranda. “As international brands, YANGWANG and DENZA must validate their products in environments that are recognised and respected by customers, engineers and the media around the world.” Max Fiebig, speaking on behalf of Subaru, also attributes the effort to the unique automotive environment in Germany. He refers in particular to the emotional driving culture of the Green Hell and the proximity to the German automotive industry. Astemo has now even set up a development base near the Nordschleife. Kenichi Kirihara explains: “We need to find the most demanding environment to get the best out of our engineers and our technology. Innovative technology doesn’t just come to us whilst we sleep – we have to work hard for it.” “The Nürburgring as a global benchmark: if you succeed here, you’ll succeed anywhere”The companies’ responses repeatedly revolve around a central perception: for the industry, the Nürburgring is not merely a test site, but a globally recognised benchmark. Toyota describes the Nordschleife as the benchmark for driving dynamics, durability and the driving experience. Subaru sees it as the foundation for its own commitment to a safe, stable and confidence-inspiring driving experience. BYD emphasises the importance of internationally recognised development environments, and Astemo sums up its significance particularly clearly: “The Nordschleife is to the automotive industry what New York is to show business: if you succeed here, you’ll succeed anywhere.” This assessment illustrates why the Nürburgring enjoys such special credibility worldwide. Anyone testing here is not only taking on a demanding circuit, but also a benchmark that is understood within the automotive industry, by the media and by customers. This global significance is evident beyond mere statements. American performance cars such as the Ford Mustang GTD have been strongly associated with development and official lap times at the Nürburgring in recent months. Here, too, it becomes clear: the Nordschleife is not just a European legend, but a global benchmark for technical performance. More than just high-speed performance, best times and recordsIn the public eye, the Nürburgring is often associated with spectacular lap times. For the companies themselves, however, records – if at all – are only part of the story. The development work is what matters most. YANGWANG and DENZA regard communication centred on the Nordschleife as credible above all when it is based on genuine engineering work: testing, calibration, validation and continuous improvement. “Communication centred on the Nordschleife should be based on authentic development work,” says José Miranda. “The value of the Nürburgring is not limited to a single figure. It is about demonstrating technical excellence, development discipline and the ability to develop vehicles that perform confidently under demanding conditions.” Subaru, too, does not focus on individual lap times. Instead, the company uses the Nürburgring – as well as major events such as the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring – to apply the insights gained to production vehicles. The aim is to produce vehicles that can be driven safely and with confidence, regardless of the driver’s ability, that do not cause fatigue and that make you want to keep driving. Astemo regards publicly communicated lap times as an exciting benchmark for motoring enthusiasts and those interested in technology. For its own development, however, the focus is on modern chassis technologies – such as systems in which steering, brakes, chassis and electric drive are centrally networked with one another. “If a system works well on the Nordschleife, we can be fairly certain that it will work well on all roads,” says Kenichi Kirihara. A development hub with international appealThe companies’ statements make it clear: for the international automotive industry, the Nürburgring is a place where products are not only tested but also developed with a view to the long term. The Nordschleife combines real-world conditions, a technical environment, infrastructure, history and a global reputation to form a development hub that no other test track can replace. This means the Nürburgring is not only part of motorsport history, but also part of the future of mobility. Whether it’s internal combustion engines, hybrids, electric vehicles, chassis control systems or software integration – the Nordschleife remains a place where new technologies must prove themselves under particularly demanding conditions. ➡️ The full interviews with Toyota, Subaru, YANGWANG, DENZA and Astemo will be published on the landing page “Test & Development am Nürburgring” and provide further insights into the development work carried out by international manufacturers and suppliers at the Nürburgring.
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
Kenichi Kirihara of Astemo 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? Astemo has been a member of the Industry Pool since 2025. Since then, we have been sending our development teams from Japan and Europe to the Nordschleife on a regular basis. The Nürburgring is important for us, because it is absolutely unique. Nowhere else in the world can we find a track or proving ground on which vehicle dynamics can be tested so comprehensively. 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?73 corners, 300m vertical and almost 21km distance per lap is unique. The track has changing tarmac qualities, undulations and demanding successions of corners. You learn a lot about the performance of your chassis hardware and – increasingly important – about the chassis control systems. I can’t think of another track that is more demanding for road vehicles. 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 plays an important role in the development of our Cross-Domain Integrated Control System. In this system the chassis components – steering, brakes, and suspension – and even the electric powertrain communicate amongst each other and are centrally controlled. If the system works well on the Nordschleife, we can be pretty sure that it works well on all roads. The Nürburgring I-Pool Team is doing a phantastic job in providing a safe environment for us and our fellow industry colleagues. We appreciate the continuous upgrades of the T13 area and the infrastructure along the track. We have a development base in the area, and the local ecosystem provides all services that we might need. The history of the Nordschleife is probably not so relevant for the actual development work. But we all have Nürburgring stickers on our suitcases and on our cars at home – you can say that we are emotionally attached to the Ring. Your company is not headquartered in Germany. Why do you invest the effort required to bring personnel, vehicles and components to the Nürburgring?We have to find the most demanding environment to bring out the best in our engineers and our technology. To increase the efficiency of our work here we have established a development base near the Nordschleife. We do that because innovative technology doesn’t come to us in our sleep – we have to work hard for it. What significance does the Nürburgring have for the perception of your brand and products, both in your home markets and internationally?The significance for our products is very clear: the Nürburgring makes them better. Valuable technologies proven at the Nürburgring are respected by OEMs and suppliers worldwide and serve as a highly effective means of enhancing our own brand value. What role does the Nordschleife play for companies seeking to strengthen or expand their credibility and market presence in Europe?The Nordschleife in the automotive industry is what New York is in show business – if you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere. If we are serious about our technology we have to develop it under the most demanding and unforgiving conditions. 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?Our Social Media Team is using some of the activities. But since we are working on rather advanced technologies here, we don’t want to open up too much about it.For people with a high interest in cars and automotive technology, record laps are a great thrill. They are a good measure for objective comparisons between various types of vehicles.
15.07.2026
Six weeks after the last event of the Nürburgring Circuit Challenge (RCN), the fifth round of the season is on the schedule. More than 160 participants entered the “Um die Westfalen-Trophy” performance test, which is held on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and organized by MSC Bork e.V. in conjunction with the ADAC. RCN Series Manager Willi Hillebrand: “Let’s hope the weather cooperates. An event with predictable conditions would be nice. The entry list is more than satisfactory for a summer date.” The 15 laps of the performance test on the 20.793-kilometer-long Nordschleife—for a total distance of 311.895 kilometers—are divided into: 1 qualifying lap, 1 confirmation lap, 10 sprint laps, 2 refueling laps with a maximum time of 50 minutes, and 1 cool-down lap. The maximum total driving time for the event is 190 minutes. The current RCN standings leaders, Jens Schneider and Robin Reimer (Engelsbrand / Schömberg, BMW 325i), will compete in the R4 class, which—with 22 entered participants—is once again the largest in the field. Their closest rivals, Sven Markert and Lars Harbeck (both from Berlin, BMW 320i), will compete as usual in the H3 class, which features 11 vehicles in this race. Christian Koch (Wickede, BMW 325i), who is third in the standings, is coming from the H4 class, which has 13 cars this time. There are 16 starters in the R2A class, and 11 teams will be competing in the RS3A class. Among the favorites for the RCN overall victory or a top finish are Michael Luther / Markus Schmickler (Barsbüttel / Bad Neuenahr, BMW M4 GT4), David Vogt (Waldfeucht, Opel Astra TCR), Andreas Schwarz (Obernburg, Cupra Leon TCR) , Alain Dutronc (Switzerland, Porsche Cayman GT4 CS), Sven Markert / Lars Harbeck, Stefan Schmickler (Bad Neuenahr, Porsche Cayman), and Eric Petrich (Wawern, BMW M3). Of particular interest is the driver pairing in the BMW M2 Competition in the RS8A class. Joining Dirk Maier (Albstadt) this time is Yannik Fübrich (Brackenheim), the current leader in the NLS standings and a former NLS champion. Maier: “I’ve wanted to drive with a professional partner for a long time to see what the car is capable of.” Schedule for the “Um die Westfalen-Trophy” Friday, June 17, 20262:30–7:30 p.m. Welcome Center “Scharfer Kopf”3:30–8:00 p.m. Document Check (Historic Paddock)3:30–8:30 p.m. Document Check (Historic Paddock) Saturday, June 18, 20267:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. “Scharfer Kopf” Welcome Center8:15–11:15 a.m. Document Check (Historic Paddock)8:15–11:30 a.m. Technical inspection (Historic Pit Area)10:30 a.m. Briefing for new drivers (Historic Pit Area)11:40 a.m. Drivers’ briefing (Historic Pit Area)12:30 p.m. Start5:00 p.m. Virtual posting of results (www.r-c-n.com)5:30 p.m. Awards ceremony (Historic Paddock) RCN 2026 Calendar March 28: “Bergischer Schmied” Nordschleife + GP Short CircuitApril 25: “Preis der Schlossstadt Brühl” Nordschleife + GP Short CircuitMay 14 “Feste Nürburg” Nürburgring Nordschleife + GP 24-hour variantMay 30 “Nordeifelpokal” Nürburgring NordschleifeJuly 18 “Um die Westfalen-Trophy” Nürburgring NordschleifeSeptember 5: “Rhein-Ruhr” Nürburgring NordschleifeSeptember 26: “Erftquelle Prize” Nordschleife + GP Short CircuitOctober 24: “Schwedenkreuz” 3-hour RCN raceNürburgring Nordschleife + GP Short Circuit
12.07.2026
The International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix has been one of the absolute highlights of the season at the Nürburgring for four decades. The glorious, sun-drenched 40th-anniversary edition drew 135,000 enthusiastic spectators to the Eifel region over the course of a weekend. The tried-and-tested trio of motor racing, a music festival and a commercial vehicle exhibition proved a hit once again this year. When else do you get the chance to chat shop with your idols in the paddock, snap selfies and bag autographs, or look over their shoulders as they prepare for the race? To watch the mechanics from just a few metres away as they get the 1,000-PS trucks ready for the next race? And to be right in the thick of it on the starting grid just minutes before the start? At the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix, all this has been possible for 40 years. Local hero Sascha Lenz dominates and wins the new TGP ChampionshipAnd although traditions are upheld here, this mega-event has continued to evolve over the past decades, introducing new features. This year was no exception, as the Truck Grand Prix Championship celebrated its debut. The four races at the Nürburgring formed the grand finale of the series, which had been extremely well received in the Eifel region and previously at the Lausitzring and the Hockenheimring. In the thrilling races at the Nürburgring, the driver who stood head and shoulders above the rest was Sascha Lenz: The local hero from Urmitz had already made a strong impression in both races on Friday. After twelve laps in each race, the MAN driver prevailed over the competition; thrilling battles for position kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. With these two victories, the 39-year-old extended his lead in the overall standings – and finally secured the title of this exciting new championship on Saturday. In the first race of the day, he spent a long time in second place but was on the verge of overtaking the leader, Steffen Faas. Although Faas managed to fend off the attacks for a long time, he was eventually forced to concede defeat on the eleventh and penultimate lap when Lenz overtook him, drifted across the finish line and secured his third victory. In the fourth and final race of the weekend, Steffen Faas was then able to wave to the crowd from the top step of the podium. One step below him stood Lenz, who had so convincingly won the title of the first TGP champion. Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG and Porsche also race around the trackWhen the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix makes its appearance at the Nürburgring for the absolute highlight of the season, the drivers of the ADAC GT Masters have also been part of the action for many years. They too thrilled the large crowds on the Grand Prix circuit in their 550 PS-strong Porsches, Aston Martins, BMWs, Mercedes-AMGs, Fords and Lamborghinis. The four rounds of the Goodyear FIA European Championship also provided pure excitement: Norbert Kiss dominated with three victories; René Reinert won the second round. Tom Astor, Truck Stop, Rednex and co. thrill the truckers at the MüllenbachschleifeThe Müllenbachschleife has always been reserved for the big music festival. When the engines fall silent on the race tracks, and as dusk slowly but surely descends over the circuit, the big stars of the country and pop music scene take centre stage. Leading the way is Tom Astor, who has always been a regular guest here and, naturally, didn’t miss the chance at this anniversary edition to bring a tear or two to his fans’ eyes. Truck Stop, Minnie Rock, Tommy Fieber, Rednex, Schürze and DJ Biddie also ensured a great atmosphere both on and off stage. As always, the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening was a highlight not only of the music festival but of the entire Truck Grand Prix for many truckers. Where the top decision-makers from global brands meetFor the top decision-makers from global brands in the commercial vehicle and logistics sectors, this event is an absolute must: after all, all the major players in the industry are represented at the commercial vehicle exhibition of the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix. Renowned companies such as Daimler Truck, Iveco, MAN, Scania, Ford Trucks, Renault Trucks and Krone had set up large stands across an exhibition area of 10,000 square metres. Here they showcased their products, which have long included innovative and sustainable mobility solutions as well as state-of-the-art drive technologies. Truck Symposium highlights how companies can attract skilled workersThe 19th Truck Symposium focused on the key issues shaping the future of the transport and logistics sector. Discussions centred on the implications of European transport and climate policy, current developments at the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM), and opportunities for state funding for in-company training. Another key focus was on strategies for recruiting, training and retaining professional drivers in the long term. Practical presentations demonstrated how companies can successfully recruit and integrate skilled workers from both Germany and abroad. In addition, the challenges of business succession in the transport sector and current requirements regarding driving licences and driver qualifications were examined. In a high-profile panel discussion, representatives from politics, public authorities, industry and trade associations exchanged their perspectives on the future of logistics and jointly developed potential solutions for the sector. Rudi Speich, Chairman of ADAC Mittelrhein e.V., was delighted with the excellent response: “The record number of registrations is a strong indication of the Truck Symposium’s relevance. Particularly in times of profound change, the sector needs open dialogue between business, politics, academia and trade associations. Together, we can shape the future of transport logistics and develop sustainable solutions.” A constant queue outside the DRK blood donation vanIt was an initiative that met with great support and was very well received: together with its partners the DRK, Life Lolli and ‘Blut transportiert’, the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix organised a major blood donation drive in the event arena. Throughout the weekend, there was often a queue outside the DRK blood donation van: Visitors were also able to register as potential stem cell donors. Rudi Speich, Chairman of ADAC Mittelrhein, said: “The ADAC is omnipresent in air rescue; we are very happy to support this fantastic campaign.” Especially as the number of blood donations continues to fall: “I am therefore delighted that the campaign has been so well received and that turnout is so high.” ℹ️ Next year, the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix will take place at the Nürburgring from 9 to 11 July 2027.
07.07.2026
Everything you need to know about the Int. Shell ADAC Truck-Grand-Prix from 10 – 12 July 2026: ⚠️ Important information regarding the current risk of forest fires! The ongoing drought is currently causing an increased risk of wildfires around the Nürburgring. We therefore ask all visitors to pay attention and to act responsibly – whether on the Nordschleife, on the event site or in the camping areas. 🚫 The following are strictly prohibited:• Open fires• Smoking in the forest• Setting off fireworks• Barbecuing in forest areas Please ensure that cigarettes are completely extinguished before disposing of them in the designated bins, and avoid anything that could start a fire. Note for the visitors to the temporary camping areas during the Truck Grand Prix: Depending on the current situation and official regulations, the use of charcoal barbecues may be prohibited at short notice. Anyone still planning their journey should bear this in mind and, if necessary, pack alternative cooking equipment. ❗Important Information About Tonight’s Fireworks (July 11, 2026)❗ The fireworks display scheduled for tonight will take place as planned, though on a limited scale. It will be carried out in close coordination with the relevant authorities and the fire department. The fireworks display will be professionally supervised and carried out under comprehensive safety precautions. The relevant authorities have approved the event under these conditions. The safety of our visitors and the protection of the environment remain our top priority at all times. HINT As well as the main event, you’ll of course find plenty of other Nürburgring attractions open around the circuit. From fan°shop and ring°bowling to Nürburgring eSports and gastronomy options. You can find all opening times here. NEWS The official "Truck-Grand-Prix App" is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.The app provides everything you need for your visit, including event information, maps and all highlights. TICKETS Find your tickets here. Open ticket offices: Ticket Office 1 (Historic Paddock)Ticket Offices 11 & 11a (Stefan-Bellof-Straße)Ticket Office 12 (T4a)Ticket Office 13 (T4)Ticket Office 15 (T5a)Ticket Office 26 (T6, concert access)Ticket Office 38 (T9, concert access)Ticket Office 46 (T10b)Ticket Office 51 (T12)info°center TIMETABLE The event timetable is available here. ROAD CLOSURES The K73 road between the B258 junction and Nürburg will be fully closed daily from 08:00 until 18:00 / 19:00 during the racing truck sessions. PARKING Grand Prix Circuit:A Zone: A1, A5, A8B Zone: B4a, B5aC Zone: C6b–C6c, C8D Zone: D3–D4, D9, D10, D11 Accessible parking is available in the parking garage, at parking area A8, on the grass area behind T5b–T6, at the Müllenbachschleife and at parking area B1. CAMPING INFORMATION Find all camping information here. SHUTTLE BUSES A free shuttle bus service operates from Friday to Sunday, serving the following stops:B5 (Trucker Camp), C1, C6, C7, Müllenbachschleife, Grand Prix Entrance and info°center. Once the K73 road closure has been lifted, an additional shuttle route will operate:Grand Prix Entrance, info°center, D5, D6 and D10. HIGHLIGHTS As every year, the festival at the Müllenbachschleife on Friday and Saturday evening is one of the event's major highlights. Further highlights include:Retro Camp (Historic Paddock)Exhibition Park (FL1)Truck Symposium (Saturday at the BEC)Kids' World (ring°boulevard) MEET LEGEND Saturday | 11 July 2026 09:45 – 10:15 ring°boulevard 10:45 – 11:15 ring°boulevard 12:00 – 12:30 Paddock 13:30 – 14:00 Retro Camp / Historic Paddock 14:30 – 15:00 Paddock 15:30 – 16:00 Retro Camp / Historic Paddock 16:45 – 17:15 ring°boulevard Sunday | 12 July 2026 09:45 – 10:15 ring°boulevard 10:45 – 11:15 ring°boulevard 12:00 – 12:30 Paddock 13:00 – 13:30 Paddock 14:15 – 14:45 Paddock 15:15 – 15:45 ring°boulevard FURTHER INFORMATION Find more information here.
06.07.2026
One of the highlights of the ADAC GT Masters season is just around the corner. The ADAC's GT3 junior series heads to the Nürburgring as part of the Int. Shell ADAC Truck-Grand-Prix, which attracted more than 134,000 spectators over the race weekend last year. Two 60-minute sprint races will be held, on Saturday at 13:45 and Sunday at 14:15. On Sunday, Sport1 will broadcast the second race live on free-to-air television, along with highlights from Saturday's race. All races will also be streamed live on Joyn, ServusTV ON and youtube.com/adacmotorsports. • Numerous guest entrants strengthen the field, including DTM team principal Gottfried Grasser• Home race for Haupt Racing Team, the Holzem twins and Schnitzelalm Racing• Championship battle between BMW and Lamborghini intensifies DTM team principal Grasser and seventh manufacturer join as guest entrantsOne of the most high-profile guest entrants at the Nürburgring will be Gottfried Grasser (47/AUT). The DTM team principal swaps the pit wall for the cockpit, returning to racing after a 13-year absence behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo 2. He will share the car with his close friend Gerhard Tweraser (37/AUT), who has already contested 36 ADAC GT Masters races, many of them for GRT Grasser Racing Team. The duo will compete in the Pro-Am class. "Our goal in the first race is simply to make it to the finish. In the second race, we'll see where we end up," said Grasser, who has previously contested twelve ADAC GT Masters races. Despite his ambitions, he is keeping expectations realistic. "We haven't even practised a pit stop with the driver change and everything that comes with it. So our first priority is to finish the race safely. But, of course, the competitive spirit is back immediately, and I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on every tenth of a second and every position." The ADAC GT3 junior series also welcomes back Prosport Racing with a Mercedes-AMG GT3. As a result, seven different manufacturers will once again be represented on the Nürburgring grid. The team fields series newcomer Felice Jelmini (31/ITA) alongside familiar face Nico Hantke (22/Hürth). Hantke competed in the championship over the past two seasons, securing one pole position, two victories and fourth place in the overall standings. Racing at his home circuit, he has set himself ambitious goals: "I'm looking forward to racing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time. It's a new challenge, but I feel very well prepared. Our objective for the weekend is clear: we want to fight at the front and battle for victory." The third guest entrant is SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm. The team contested the full season last year and has made regular guest appearances since 2024. At their home event, the team's Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be driven by the reigning ADAC GT4 Champions Enrico Förderer (19/Leuterod) and Jay Mo Härtling (23/Sprockhövel). While Förderer makes his GT3 debut, Härtling already has an ADAC GT Masters podium finish to his Name. "We know each other very well as teammates and want to use this opportunity to continue developing in the Mercedes-AMG GT3," said Härtling. Championship battle enters the next roundTim Zimmermann (29/Langenargen) and Leyton Fourie (20/ZAF, both FK Performance Motorsport) lead the standings in their BMW M4 GT3 Evo with a five-point advantage. Last year's runners-up have built strong momentum, claiming two victories and two runner-up finishes in the last four races. "We're trying to build on this momentum and keep it going," explained Fourie. "We know the Nürburgring may not suit us quite as well as the previous circuits, but we'll take each race as it comes and make the most of every opportunity." Zimmermann will also enjoy plenty of support at his home event, with around 300 guests cheering him and the team on from a dedicated hospitality lounge. The closest challengers are Felix Hirsiger (28/CHE) and Finn Zulauf (21/Königstein im Taunus, both Liqui Moly Team Engstler Motorsport) in the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo 2. They have also claimed two victories this season and are determined to regain the championship lead at the Nürburgring. "I'm heading into the weekend feeling positive. The circuit should suit us well. Of course, there are always external factors beyond our control, but I still believe we have everything it takes to win the championship," said Zulauf, who celebrated a podium finish at the Nürburgring last season. Home race for Sandro and Juliano Holzem and Haupt Racing TeamFollowing their breakthrough victory at the Lausitzring, twins Juliano and Sandro Holzem (22) from Polch head into their home event full of confidence. "Our motivation couldn't be higher. Many of our sponsors and family members will be at the track, and there will once again be a fantastic crowd. We're really looking forward to the weekend. We know our package is extremely competitive at the Nürburgring and that we have what it takes to win here. We're currently third in the championship and want to take the next step towards becoming genuine title contenders," said Sandro Holzem, who has many special memories of the Nürburgring. "We used to come to the circuit with our father when we were kids, and I also made my DTM debut here." It is also a home race for Haupt Racing Team. Based in nearby Drees, the squad will field three Ford Mustang GT3 cars and boasts an impressive Nürburgring record, having won three of the last four races in the Eifel while also claiming four podium finishes and three pole positions. With five podium finishes already this season, HRT heads into its home event aiming to secure its first victory of the year.
02.07.2026
At the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix from 7 to 9 August, visitors at the Nürburgring can look forward to world-famous drivers, rare racing cars and automotive treasures with a rich history. The spectrum ranges from touring car and GT classics to historic Grand Prix cars and Formula racers, all the way to pre-war racing cars and motorcycles. Once again, the second weekend of August will become a journey through the eras of motorsport – with stars up close and vehicles that can only rarely, if ever, be experienced live. A reunion with well-known drivers awaits especially in the touring car fields. In the Super Touring Revival, Uwe Alzen and Gerd Füller will share the former Uwe Alzen Opel Vectra from 1998 in its distinctive Paulaner livery. The pair will contest an extensive programme featuring four races, as they will also compete in the Touring Car Golden Era races. Sebastian and Roland Asch have also announced their participation with a 1990 Ford Sierra RS500. The Deutsche Rennsport-Meisterschaft Revival is likewise shaping up to feature an excellent grid: spectators can once again expect spectacular appearances from Group 5 monsters such as the Ford Capri Turbo, BMW 2002, and Porsche 911/5 and 935. Schnitzer Classic will also provide a special highlight: the team is paying tribute to the life’s work of Herbert Schnitzer and the legacy of Schnitzer Motorsport. Participants include Altfrid Heger, Kris Nissen, Leopold Prince of Bavaria, Herbert Schnitzer Jr. and Uwe Alzen. On display will be cars that have written motorsport history – from the Schnitzer BMW 2002 Turbo and BMW 635 Group A to the BMW M3 GT2 and other classics from Schnitzer’s storied history. CLASS One Revival supported by BMW ClassicMore recent touring car history will be brought to the track by the CLASS One Revival supported by BMW Classic. Among the highlights is Bruno Spengler’s 2012 DTM championship-winning car, which will be driven at the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix by Dirk Adorf. The demonstration runs of these spectacular machines build a bridge from the Class One era to later generations of the DTM – making them a perfect fit for the 40th anniversary of the BMW M3. Full Grids in HC 65 and HC 81The Historic Championship ’65 and ’81 fields are also strongly represented. These races count towards the German Historic Automobile Championship, promising intense competition and excitement. The HC ’65 is already fully subscribed with 41 entrants, as is the HC ’81 with its 58 participants. Among the most prominent names is Christian Danner, who will compete alongside Matthias Körber in both an Alfa Romeo GTA and an Alfa Romeo GT Am. Fans can also look forward to a large Alfa Romeo contingent, a Ferrari 330 GTO driven by Mike Martin, an Aston Martin DP214 with Paul Friedrichs, rare Elva Mk 7 and Mk 8 models, and classics such as the AC Cobra, Jaguar E-Type and Lotus Elite. Evening Race with Rare Sports CarsTraditionally, one of the emotional highlights of the weekend is the evening race for two-seater sports cars and GT cars up to 1965. Here, too, a full grid is already taking shape – and many of the announced vehicles are true treasures of sports car history. Among them is a Porsche 550 A Spyder, whose participation the organisers have hoped for over several years. Also expected are Porsche 904 models, two Lister Jaguars – including one with a rare Costin body – an Aston Martin DB4 GT, two Bizzarrinis and their predecessor model, the Iso Grifo. Several Lotus XI cars will meet their period rival, the Lola Mk 1. A particularly rare entry comes from a Danish collection: a Lotus powered by a Ferrari V12, raced in exactly this unusual configuration during its period. Original Grand Prix Cars and Formula HistoryThe HGPCA will bring genuine Grand Prix history to the Nürburgring with its fields for front- and rear-engined racing cars. Among the outstanding front-engined machines are several Maserati 250F models – one of them a genuine film star, having appeared in the Romy Schneider film *Monpti*. In the rear-engined field, visitors can experience cars such as the BRM P261 (ex-Graham Hill) and a Cooper T53 (ex-Jack Brabham). This chapter of Formula racing history will be complemented by Formula Heritage. During its demonstration runs, Formula cars from the 1970s through the 1990s will take to the track. Discoveries EverywhereThe automotive stars of the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix can be experienced not only on the track but throughout the event grounds – particularly in the historic paddock. Also on display there will be a Bugatti Type 32 “Tank” and a Bugatti Type 59, which will take centre stage in the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Bugatti Club Deutschland on Sunday. The historic motorcycles of GrabTheFlag! will also be based there. Guest of honour Helmut Dähne will host talks and presentations over the weekend. In the Grand Prix paddock, visitors can meet teams, participants and exhibitions up close, while the TOP Brand Club Meeting in the Mercedes Arena brings together additional classics, club vehicles and automotive discoveries.
