Esteban Racing Blog: 10 Facts you probably didn’t know about the Nürburgring

We continue our journey through the Formula One 2013 Season. Our next destination: the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.

The circuit was founded in 1927 and had a stormy start with its 22.5 kilometers length which caused that many drivers could not even remember the layout and as well as many accidents that made it one of the most dangerous tracks of the world. Truth is, it comprises two tracks: Nordschleife and Sudschleife, with an astonishing total of 172 curves.

Today, the track is very different to what it originally was as it has been modified to make it safer according to modern regulations.

Before getting to some of the interesting facts of this circuit,� Esteban tells us how does it work for him to have back-to-back races and talks about his own experience at the Nürburgring:

“I used the days between the races in Silverstone and the Nürburgring to relax and do some good fitness training in order to recharge before the German GP. With back-to-back races there is less time to analyse the previous weekend and the focus changes pretty quickly, so you take the momentum and move on. On the other hand, back-to-back races are really nice, because you only have a couple of days until you are back in the car again. I have great memories of the Nürburgring. In 2009, I raced there for the first time in Formula 3, and had a podium with my former team mates Jules Bianchi and Valtteri Bottas. It’s a traditional Track with a as the GP circuit is part of the famous Nordschleife and I enjoy it a lot. It’s interesting to drive there with the fast corners, and the weather can be a challenge too. It’s exciting to come to Germany and feel the racing atmosphere. There is not that much to do around the area, so it’s all about pure racing.”

10 interesting facts about the Nürburgring

1. In 1984, after safety modifications were implemented, took place here one of the most legendary races in the history of motorports, with many of the best drivers of all time. Names like Niki Lauda, Carlos Reutemann, Keke Rosberg, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, James Hunt, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Phil Hill, John Surtees and Denny Hulme took part of this race.
2. During the 1980’s and early 1990’s, the track was in and out of the Formula One calendar until it became a permanent event of the season thanks to the rise of Michael Schumacher.
3. The old circuit (Nordschleife) is still active but only for tourists and fans who - for a few Euro - can drive a car around one of the most difficult tracks in the world. A lifetime experience!
4. The fastest lap record belongs to Stefan Bellof, who drove a Porsche 956 to set a lap time of 6 minutes and 11.13 seconds in 1983.
5. The number of fatalities is kept secret but some external sources say there have been around 73 in the history of the track.
6. According to the official web site there are 33 left - and 40 right curves. Other people say there are 87 and some others say there are 100 in total.
7. The cost of the circuit was around 40 million dollars in present money value.
8. Several car manufacturers and famous brands use the� Nordschleife track to have a standard measure for average speed every time they are going to launch a new car.
9. This year the track is for sale at the price of 165 million dollars. The sale process will be done by auction. So, probably this year the circuit will have a new owner and a different administration for the coming year.
10. Nico Hülkenberg -Esteban Gutiérrez’s team mate- has a lot of experience on this circuit, as he - like Esteban - has competed here in different series like Formula 3 Euro Series and GP2. Things are very different when you are in F1, but he will have the added support of being in his home race this weekend.

Without a doubt this is a track with a very challenging history, but we trust with his previous experience and his fascination for this circuit, Esteban will achieve a good result this weekend. Join us and cheer for Esteban!