Layout: Actual
When was the track built?
Built and opened in 1932, used by Mercedes as a test track for their cars, it was originally an enormous 12km triangular route course, called ‘Triangle Track’; in 1938 one of the three sides was replaced with a long parabolic curve, called Ostkurve.
The iconic oval shape will remain until 2002, although the track has been modified in the meantime adding the stadium section and various chicanes, when Hermann Tilke designed its final version, removing the straights in the forest and connecting the two sides just after the stadium section with the new long Parabolika.
It has hosted Formula 1 since the 1970s, sometimes rotating with the Nürburgring.
When was its first Grand Prix?
In 1970, when Jochen Rindt, on Lotus-Ford, won a tight battle against the Ferrari of Jackie Ickx for just 7 tenths of a second, after the Belgian grabbed the pole position.
It will rotate with other six circuits for the German spot in the F1 European Series calendar.
What’s the circuit like?
Despite the loss of the legendary forest section has caused a lot of discontent in fans and drivers, the track has offered often very entertaining races, even if the only real overtaking spot is at the end of the Parabolika.
It remains fast but it has lost its old-style charm; it is though more challenging for drivers, and still appreciated.
Where is it located?
In Hockenheim, just south of Heidelberg, in the south-west of the country; Frankfurt airport is around 80km north. (+ 49°20’05”, + 8°34’47”)
All Along The Racetrack 