A guide to the Hockenheim Grand Prix Circuit
The circuit at Hockenheim was built in 1939 as a high-speed test track for Mercedes Benz, which needed a place to test drive its vehicles for the Tripoli Grand Prix. The original track was vastly different from the current track, with almost 8 km (5mi) in length and two long curved straights, with a long corner at either end - shaped like a kidney bean.
The Hockenheim circuit has been radically updated after the 2001 German Grand Prix. For the 70th anniversary of the circuit (2002), Hockenheim was heavily modified. The spectacular long runs through the forest were done away with and the layout of the track was modified as well. Previously drivers used to fly through the forest section at over 320kph (200mph), making Hockehheim one of the fastest F1 tracks.
Until the modifications, Hockenheim was the second longest track in the F1 calendar. The overall length of the circuit was reduced, forcing organizers to increase the number of laps to 67 from 45. The total distance of the race is now 306.458km (191.536mi), with a lap length of 4.574km (2.858mi). Many argue that the track has lost some of its character, nevertheless, it is still one of the highest attended races in the F1 World Championship calendar and the 2002 German Grand Prix, the first race on the modified track, was another crowd pleaser, with Michael Schumacher winning the event.
Besides the German Grand Prix, Hockenheim hosts a range of motor sport activities throughout the year:the German Touring Cars Championship, the LG Super Racing Weekend, drag racing, the Ricaro Tuning Race and many more. The circuit is also host to many open air concerts during the summer, most recently having hosted the Rolling Stones.
There are camping options available right outside the Hockenheim circuit, for tents, campers and RVs. Cost is reasonable and camping and parking passes can be conveniently bought together with F1 tickets. There is also a Best Western Hotel at the circuit, but demand is extremely high and early booking is highly recommended.
On non-race weekends, it is possible to take your own car onto the circuit and test your skills around the F1 racing track.