The Nürburgring is one of the world’s most well-known and iconic race tracks. Even people with no interest in racing or motorbikes have heard of the Nürburgring. It’s thrilling and terrifying in equal measures for any motorbike rider, but it’s also a beautiful circuit to head around. We’ve gathered some tips and tricks together to ride the track and get the most from your visit.
Background
Construction for the Nürburgring started in 1925, with the track opening on 18th June 1927. The original track has needed many safety improvements and redesigns over the years to improve it, the main one being that a bypass meant that the original north and south loops could be combined into a 15.2-mile loop. Many large races are held at the Nürburgring, but the main reason it’s famous is because the track is accessible to the public. Anyone with a ticket, a license, and a road-legal vehicle can go round on the Touristenfahrten.
Safety
The track can get incredibly busy as it is open to the general public. There is always a mix of drivers who have spent years going round, beginners who have never seen the track before, and a wide variety of vehicles capable of going a wide variety of speeds. Try going on a weekday evening for a quieter experience.
Above all, the Nürburgring was designed to be challenging; it is fast with tight corners, and the visibility is 20 or 30 meters in places. This is not a place for a joy ride; it needs to be taken seriously. Crashes are frequent, and it’s common to see helicopters airlift people to hospitals. Drivers and riders can also be charged for emergency services, barrier repair, and track closures.
Technically, the track is a public road, but you’ll likely need to take out specialist insurance to head around it.
Before You Get There
- Your motorbike should be in perfect condition and completely road-legal. The track will push your motorbike to its limits, so make sure it’s up to the challenge.
- Study the track ahead of time. The Nürburgring is notorious for catching people off guard: watch videos, study maps, read as many guides as possible, and talk to people who have done it before you set your tyres on it. You cannot be over-prepared for this track.
- Get as much protective gear as you can. Full protective gear is essential – crashes are high speed, so prepare for that. As well as full leathers, riders familiar with the track wear body armour for protection.
- Check your planned dates. The track is also famous for its unpredictability, so check that it is open and that motorbikes are still allowed on the day you want to go.
- Book your ticket. The ticket hall is away from the track; if you book your ticket online in advance, it saves you a bit of faffing.
On the Track
- Always be aware of others. Motorbikes will share the track with cars, so you need to be hypervigilant as you go round – always check your mirrors and try to make space for people coming by.
- Precision Cornering. Nürburgring corners can be tricky – riders generally say that late apexes are safer due to the blind corners and elevation changes. Some don’t have runoff areas, and be aware of curbs – avoid them at all costs as a motorbike.
- Elevation Changes. Sudden drops and climbs are part of the Nürburgring’s character – try not to let them catch you out.
- Warning signs. Learn all the warning signs in advance and stick to the rules. Yellow lights, yellow flag waving, and so on mean that it is compulsory to slow to 50mph immediately, for instance.
The Nürburgring is a tremendous experience; you’ll likely be hooked once you’ve done a lap. The important point to remember is to treat the track seriously. You’re not there to race other drivers; you’re there to conquer the track. Give it the respect it deserves, and you’ll never want to leave.
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