The Nürburgring is considered the benchmark for track performance by every respected car manufacturer. Often referred to as the “Green Hell,” it is one of the longest and most challenging race tracks of all time. But where is it located? What about its history? What kind of races did it host? Which is the fastest car on the Nordschleife? Keep on reading till the end to find out:
Where is it Located?
The Nürburgring is located in Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, and has a capacity of 150,000 spectators. It was built in the 1920s and initially consisted of four configurations;
- The 28 km long Gesamtstrecke (Whole Course)
- The 22 km long Nordschleife (North Loop)
- The 7 km long Südschleife (South Loop)
- The 2 km-long Zielschleife (Finish Loop) or Betonschleife (Concrete Loop) is also known as the warm-up loop.
In the 1980s. The start/finish area was destroyed to create the current GP-Strecke. The GP-Strecke is now used for all major and international racing events, while the Nordschleife remains specified for testing cars, racing, and public access.
The Green Hell
In the 1970s, Scottish racing driver Jackie Stewart nicknamed the Nürburgring “The Green Hell.” This was because of the track’s immense length and 73 turns, including 40 right and 33 left turns. Nearly 1,000 feet of elevation changes, with the track’s lowest point 1,040 feet above sea level and its highest point 2,021 feet, make the Nürburgring a benchmark.
Why does the Nürburgring not host F1 anymore?
As we have mentioned before, the Nürburgring was too long for a track. However, F1 races were held there between 1951 and 1976. In 1976, famed Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda had a terrible crash while leading the race. He suffered severe burns and nearly lost his life. Lauda’s crash and recovery became the central story of the 1976 season, famously depicted in the movie Rush (2013).
After the accident, Lauda missed two races but miraculously returned just six weeks later. However, following the 1976 race, safety concerns surrounding the Nordschleife led to F1 abandoning the circuit for future races.
The Last Ride
The Nordschleife was modified to accommodate F1 driver safety demands by smoothing bumps, reducing jumps, and installing safety barriers, which allowed the German GP to be held from 1971 to 1976. However, by the 1970s, the event required significantly more marshals and medical staff than typically needed for an F1 race, a demand the organizers were not willing to meet.
Despite modifications, the track remained dangerous, with cars at risk of becoming airborne. Due to its vast size, it was also unsuitable for television coverage. All of these issues resulted in the 1976 race being the last F1 race at the Nürburgring.
The GP-Strecke
The previous pit area was upgraded to comply with safety standards. Furthermore, a bypass and a small additional pit lane shortened the Nordschleife to 20.832 km. This layout was used for races in 1983. At certain turns, additional run-off areas, like Aremberg and Brünnchen, were added.
The track’s surface was improved in certain areas where troubling bumps and jumps had previously existed. Racing line markers were also installed at corners throughout the circuit. Furthermore, bushes and hedges at the corner edges were removed and replaced with Armco barriers and grass.
What Kind of Races did the Nürburgring Host?
Apart from the Formula 1 races, the Nürburgring held a number of races consisting of :
- Formula 2
- Formula 3
- 24 Hours of Nürburgring
- World Endurance Championship
- Nürburgring 1000 km
- DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters)
- VLN (Nürburgring Endurance Series)
- Rallycross
- Touring Car Events
- Nürburgring Historic Races
- Motorcycle Racing (MotoGP and Other Events)
- Blancpain GT Series
- GT World Challenge Europe
- Porsche Carrera Cup Germany
- Drift and Time Attack Events
Fastest Cars on the Nürburgring
Such a challenging track requires only the best drivers and the best machines. To lap the Nürburgring in itself is an accomplishment. But being one of the fastest cars around the Nürburgring takes you to another level of respect. Below are some cars that have been declared fastest on the Green Hell:
Mercedes-AMG ONE
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and AMG dedicated to bringing Formula 1 technology to the road. It is a result of Mercedes’ F1 expertise, with a hybrid powertrain derived from their championship-winning Formula 1 engine.
The car was first unveiled in 2017 but refined for several years before entering production in 2022. It boasts exceptional performance on the road and the track and is a limited-production vehicle, with only 275 units made.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is currently the fastest car on the Nürburgring with a lap time of 6:29.09
| Mercedes-AMG ONE | Stats |
| Engine | V6 hybrid |
| Displacement | 1600cc |
| Forced Induction | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 1063 hp |
| Toque | 1,000 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-MT |
| Drivetrain | Fully Variable AWD |
| Weight | 1695 kg |
| Top Speed | 352 km/h |
2021 Porsche 911 GT2 RS
The 2021 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the ultimate version of the Porsche 911, designed for those who seek extreme performance combined with daily usability. As the most powerful road-going 911, it represents the peak of Porsche engineering.
It features a high-performance twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, aggressive aerodynamics, and a track-ready suspension setup. This car pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with a production 911. The 2021 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is currently the second-fastest car to lap the Nürburgring, with a lap time of 6:43:30
| 2021 Porsche 911 GT2 RS | Stats |
| Engine | Flat 6 |
| Displacement | 3800cc |
| Horsepower | 700 hp |
| Toque | 750 Nm |
| Forced Induction | Twin Turbocharged |
| Transmission | 7-Speed PDK AT |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 1470 kg |
| Top Speed | 340 km/h |
Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 RS
The Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 RS is a track-focused version of the iconic Porsche 911. It builds on the already exceptional 911 GT3 and offers enhanced performance, aerodynamics, and handling for enthusiasts and track-day fanboys.
Unveiled in 2022, the GT3 RS pushes the boundaries of Porsche’s motorsport-inspired engineering, combining the brand’s racing heritage with cutting-edge technology for an unforgettable driving experience. The Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 RS was able to lap the Nürburgring with a lap time of 6:49:328
| Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 RS | Stats |
| Engine | Flat 6 |
| Displacement | 4000cc |
| Horsepower | 518 hp |
| Toque | 470 Nm |
| Forced Induction | Naturally Aspirated |
| Transmission | 7-Speed PDK Dual Clutch AT |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 1450 kg |
| Top Speed | 318 km/h |
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG’s performance engineering. It is a track-ready supercar that combines outrageous power, exceptional handling, and advanced technology.
Launched in 2020, the GT Black Series is the most extreme version of the AMG GT, designed to compete with the best in the supercar world. It brings motorsport-inspired tech and performance to the road, offering an unparalleled driving experience. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has a Nürburgring lap time of 6:48:047
| Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series | Stats |
| Engine | V8 |
| Displacement | 4000cc |
| Horsepower | 720 hp |
| Toque | 800 Nm |
| Forced Induction | Twin Turbocharged |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual Clutch AT |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 1625 kg |
| Top Speed | 325 km/h |
Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 Manthey Racing
The Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 Manthey Racing is a special performance-oriented version of the already formidable Porsche 911 GT3. It was developed in collaboration with Manthey Racing, a renowned motorsport team known for their Porsche tuning and racing expertise.
Released in 2021, the Manthey Racing edition enhances the GT3’s track capabilities further by improving aerodynamics, handling, and overall performance. It’s designed for serious track enthusiasts who want the ultimate in precision and speed. The Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 Manthey Racing managed a 6:55:737 lap around the Nürburgring.
| Porsche 992.1 911 GT3 Manthey Racing | Stats |
| Engine | Flat 6 |
| Displacement | 4000cc |
| Horsepower | 502 hp |
| Toque | 470 Nm |
| Forced Induction | Naturally Aspirated |
| Transmission | 7-Speed PDK Dual Clutch AT |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 1430 kg |
| Top Speed | 320 km/h |
Can You Drive on the Nürburgring?
Yes, you can drive the Nürburgring on certain public days called Touristenfahrten, where anyone can take their vehicle onto the famous track. Here’s what you need to know:
Vehicles Allowed
Any road-legal car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle can go on the track. However, race cars with enormous wings, seats that block your vision, or tires designed only for racing (slicks) are not allowed. Your vehicle must also be in good condition—no fluid leaks and capable of reaching at least 80 mph.
Costs
On weekdays, each lap costs €30 (AED 115), and on weekends, it costs €35 (AED 143).
You’ll need to book a session in advance, but the track is rarely so busy that you’ll be turned away.
Rules & Safety Checks
Police may randomly inspect vehicles in the area to ensure they meet the regulations.
Don’t Own a Car for the Track?
You can rent a sports car from local companies for around €200 (AED 819).
If you prefer to experience the Nürburgring as a passenger, you can pay for a professional driver in a “Ring Taxi” for €299 (AED 1223) to take you on a thrilling lap.
So, whether you’re a driving enthusiast or just curious, the Nürburgring offers an exciting opportunity to test your skills (or your nerves) on one of the world’s most iconic circuits!
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