The Nürburgring, often called “The Green Hell,” is one of the most famous racetracks in the world. Its Nordschleife loop, a 20.8 km stretch of winding roads, unpredictable turns, and breathtaking elevation changes, draws thousands of drivers every year. The track is challenging and can be dangerous for the unprepared. But with the right approach and mindset, you can have a safe and exhilarating experience at the Nürburgring. Here’s a guide on how to drive the Nürburgring safely.
1. Know the Track and Understand Its Challenges
The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most complex tracks globally, so understanding its unique features is crucial.
- Familiarize Yourself with Key Sections: The Nordschleife has over 70 turns, each with its distinct character. Some notorious areas include the Karussell, a banked hairpin, and Pflanzgarten, a section of sweeping curves followed by a dip. Watching onboard videos, studying maps, and using a simulator can help you learn the layout, making it easier to anticipate challenging areas.
- Understand the Elevation Changes: With over 300 meters of elevation change, the track’s hills and dips impact braking, cornering, and acceleration. Learn where these are to adjust your speed and handling accordingly.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Having a well-prepared vehicle is essential for a safe and enjoyable Nürburgring experience.
- Check Tires and Brakes: Tires and brakes are the most critical components for track safety. Ensure your tires are in excellent condition with sufficient tread depth, as worn tires will struggle with the track’s demanding corners. Similarly, make sure your brakes are serviced and capable of handling high temperatures, as the Nordschleife requires substantial braking.
- Monitor Fluids and Coolants: Check all essential fluids, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Intense driving at the Nürburgring can heat up engines and brakes quickly, so ensuring you have the correct fluid levels is key to preventing overheating and other issues.
- Adjust Tire Pressure: Track driving generates higher tire temperatures, increasing tire pressure. Set your tires to a slightly lower pressure at the start, as they will inflate with heat. Many track-goers recommend adjusting down by about 5–10% of normal road pressure to allow for this increase.
3. Understand the Rules and Track Etiquette
The Nürburgring is unique as it’s often open to the public as a toll road, meaning there are specific rules and courtesies that all drivers must follow.
- Pass on the Left, Keep Right: Faster cars will overtake you, and Nürburgring etiquette dictates that you should keep to the right to allow passing on the left. Observing this rule prevents collisions and ensures smoother traffic flow.
- Watch for Track Flags and Signals: Track marshals use flags to communicate important messages. Yellow flags warn of hazards, such as accidents or stopped vehicles, while red flags indicate that the session has been stopped. Blue flags are a signal to let faster cars pass. Pay close attention to these signals to stay safe and keep the track moving efficiently.
- No Overtaking in Certain Areas: During tourist drives, overtaking is only allowed in certain sections. Be aware of these rules, which are there to ensure safety. Check the Nürburgring’s official guidelines before hitting the track for any updates on overtaking rules.
4. Practice Smooth and Controlled Driving
The key to driving safely on the Nürburgring is consistency and control, not speed.
- Focus on Consistency Over Speed: The Nürburgring can be tempting for those looking for adrenaline, but staying in control of your car is far more important than achieving record speeds. Smooth, consistent driving is safer and often faster than reckless driving.
- Brake Before, Not During, Corners: Many sections of the Nordschleife have deceptive turns. Braking in the middle of a corner can cause a loss of control, so brake early and enter turns with a controlled speed. This approach allows you to accelerate smoothly as you exit the corner.
- Master Apexes and Exit Points: The Nordschleife’s turns are varied, but aiming to hit the apex—the innermost point of a turn—will help you maintain a stable line. Focus on smooth, wide turns, as these will keep your speed up without losing control.
5. Pace Yourself and Build Up Gradually
For many drivers, especially beginners, the Nürburgring can be overwhelming. Building up your speed and confidence slowly is essential.
- Take a Few Laps at a Slower Pace: Starting with slower laps will help you get a feel for the track’s layout, conditions, and flow. After a few initial laps, you’ll have a better sense of how your car handles each turn and elevation change.
- Avoid Pushing Limits Too Early: Many drivers get excited and push their limits too early, often leading to mistakes or accidents. Remember, the Nürburgring is not a race. Aim for a pace where you’re comfortable and always leave a margin for error, especially during your first few laps.
6. Pay Attention to Other Drivers and Traffic
The Nürburgring is open to cars and motorcycles of various skill levels, so expect a mix of slower and faster traffic.
- Stay Aware of Faster Cars: Experienced drivers and high-performance vehicles will likely be moving at much faster speeds. Check your mirrors frequently and be prepared to let faster drivers pass. Don’t attempt to “race” anyone; focus on your own driving.
- Be Wary of Motorcycles: Motorcycles are also permitted on the track, and they handle differently from cars, especially in corners. Give motorcyclists extra space and avoid abrupt maneuvers around them to ensure safety for all.
7. Understand and Plan for Weather Conditions
Weather at the Nürburgring can be unpredictable, with conditions changing quickly even during a single lap.
- Rain and Wet Conditions: The Nordschleife can become extremely slippery when wet, making it challenging to maintain control. If it’s raining, drive significantly slower, especially through wooded sections where water can pool. Wet conditions require early braking, gentle acceleration, and increased following distances.
- Fog and Poor Visibility: Located in the Eifel Mountains, the Nürburgring is prone to fog. If visibility is low, drive more cautiously, as the track’s twists and turns can be harder to predict in foggy conditions.
- Temperature and Tire Performance: Colder temperatures will reduce tire grip, especially with performance tires. If you’re driving on a chilly day, reduce your pace and increase your braking distances.
8. Have a Contingency Plan for Emergencies
Although safety is the goal, it’s wise to be prepared for possible breakdowns or accidents.
- Know the Track’s Emergency Contacts: The Nürburgring has a team of marshals and emergency responders. Familiarize yourself with the track’s emergency phone numbers or find a marshal if you experience a breakdown or minor incident.
- Have a Recovery Plan: If you’re driving your own car and it breaks down, you’ll need a way to get it home. Consider having insurance that covers track days or arranging for recovery assistance ahead of time. Many insurers offer Nürburgring-specific policies for this purpose.
- Stay Calm and Alert in Case of an Incident: If you find yourself involved in an accident or experience a mechanical issue, remain calm. Follow the marshal’s instructions and, if possible, move your vehicle off the track to avoid obstructing traffic.
9. Take Care of Yourself
Driving the Nürburgring requires focus, stamina, and awareness, so make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Track driving is mentally and physically taxing, so drink plenty of water and get rest before your track day. Avoid alcohol or any substances that may impair your focus.
- Take Breaks Between Laps: Continuous laps can lead to fatigue, so take breaks to avoid getting tired and losing concentration. Use breaks to review your performance, hydrate, and check on your car’s condition.
Conclusion
Driving the Nürburgring can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience if approached with respect, caution, and preparation. Knowing the track, taking care of your vehicle, following track etiquette, and driving within your limits will help ensure a safe and enjoyable session. With the right mindset, you’ll be able to tackle “The Green Hell” confidently and come away with a memorable adventure.