The Nürburgring is making targeted investments in its future as a benchmark for the automotive industry. With the modernization of T13 and its transformation into the “Test & Performance Center | T13,” the former grandstand located directly on the Nordschleife—at the entrance to Nürburg—has been fundamentally redesigned. A modern infrastructure creates optimal working conditions for engineers from around the world who test vehicles and components here under real-world conditions and use the Nordschleife as a benchmark during official record-breaking runs.
The former Grandstand 13, which has not been used as a spectator area for many years, is now the central operational hub for test and development runs on the Nordschleife. This is where the intensive development work of around 50 international companies begins and ends each year—ranging from component testing to full vehicle trials. “T13 is the heart of our industrial use of the Nordschleife. The elite of the international automotive industry works here for up to 17 weeks a year—and the demands on infrastructure and the working environment are correspondingly high,” explains Managing Director Ingo Böder.
Comprehensive Modernization – From Technical Infrastructure to Asphalt
Last winter, the entire site underwent extensive modernization. In addition to a complete renewal of the asphalt surfaces and technical infrastructure—particularly regarding data and utility lines—the energy and charging infrastructure was expanded with the future in mind. A new photovoltaic system on the roof, along with AVIA high-power charging stations, provide clear momentum toward sustainable and high-performance mobility. As part of these measures, the asphalt surface at T13 was also completely renewed. The building itself was completely gutted and its interior rebuilt from the ground up. An aging existing building has thus been transformed into a modern, functional, and high-quality workplace. “We deliberately chose not just to renovate here, but to rethink the space. The result is a holistic concept that reflects, both functionally and visually, the standards we set for this location,” Böder continued.
The modernization of T13 not only strengthened operational performance but also significantly enhanced the building’s exterior appearance. Today, the site stands as a visible statement of innovation, quality, and sustainability—and thus as a fitting setting for the development work carried out here every day.
The Nordschleife as a benchmark: From development to measurable performance
A central component of this overall concept is the topic of performance: For the work that begins at T13 finds its high-profile culmination on the track—in the form of official, timed laps on the Nordschleife. These so-called record runs are far more than mere best times: They are an internationally recognized seal of quality for development work under real-world extreme conditions. “If a vehicle performs convincingly on the Nordschleife, that’s a strong selling point for the market. The combination of testing, development, and verifiable performance makes the Nürburgring unique,” says Managing Director Christian Stephani.
To ensure maximum transparency and comparability, these runs take place under clearly defined conditions—including notarial supervision, certified measurement technology, and technical inspection of the vehicles. Last year alone, 20 such record slots were allocated, with 14 of them resulting in officially communicated lap times. “The demand shows the significance the Nordschleife holds for manufacturers worldwide. Performance at this level is no coincidence, but the result of intensive development work—and that is precisely where it begins here at T13,” says Stephani.
With its investment in the “Test and Performance Center | T13,” the Nürburgring is sharpening its decades-old slogan, “Everyone praises what’s Nürburgring-tested,” as a clear promise for the future. Testing, development, and measurable performance are coming further into focus—and the Nordschleife remains the place where it is decided what a vehicle can truly achieve.