Many chapters of success in BMW’s motor sport history were written on the Nürburgring.  Among them are 18 overall wins (including eight one-two victories) in the 24-Hour Race and a one-two finish in the 2003 Formula One GP.  As a partner of Nürburgring GmbH, BMW runs a state-of-the-art test centre at the foot of the legendary Nordschleife.

Arguably the best known BMW Driver Training base is also at home at the Nürburgring, offering a comprehensive range of courses to promote safe and sporty driving.  The Nürburgring Adventure World next to the start/finish area boasts the world’s only permanent BMW race car exhibition, while visitors can keep pace – literally – with the fascinating experience of the Nordschleife as a passenger in the BMW Ring Taxi.

2007 marks the 37th Formula One Grand Prix to be held on the Nürburgring. The first track variant was opened on 18th/19th June 1927. On 29th July 1951, Formula One made its first appearance in the Eifel for the German Grand Prix.  In the late 1950s and early 1970s, the German GP temporarily moved to the Berlin Avus track and to Hockenheim respectively.  Niki Lauda’s horrendous fireball accident on 1st August 1976 spelt the end of the legendary Nordschleife’s career as a Formula One circuit.

Today the winding track that stretches for more than 20 kilometres still hosts numerous touring car races, and on many days of the year visitors can pay to take their own car or motorcycle out for a few laps of the circuit.

The new Nürburgring was opened on 12th May 1984, since when the Eifel has played host to Formula One for 11 European Grands Prix, two Luxembourg Grands Prix (1997 and 1998) and one German Grand Prix (1985). 1999 to 2001 saw the modernisation of the start/finish area, including the erection of a new pit building and press centre.  2002 marked the opening of the Mercedes Arena, a stadium-like section which extended the circuit by some 600 metres.  Following this year’s Formula One appearance, further major extension work is due to be carried out.

Winner 2006:  Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1 hr 35:58.765 min

Pole position 2006:  Fernando Alonso, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:29.819 min

Fastest lap 2006:  Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:32:099 min

Current lap record:  Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:29.468 min (2004)

Data 2006 (race)

Full-throttle percentage: 58%

Top speed: 302 km/h

Longest stretch at full throttle: 12 sec / 800 m

Right-hand/left-hand corners: 9/6

Gear changes per lap: 40

Tyre wear: medium

Brake wear: medium

Downforce level: high

Grip level: high