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08 May, Friday

Insight - What the Nordschleife and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

What role does the 24 Hours of Nürburgring play for companies in the automotive industry? The answer lies not only between the starting grid and the checkered flag, but above all in the development work that precedes the big event. Because before the battle for positions begins at the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Nordschleife serves as the central testing ground for performance...
Insight - What the Nordschleife and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

08.05.2026

What role does the 24 Hours of Nürburgring play for companies in the automotive industry? The answer lies not only between the starting grid and the checkered flag, but above all in the development work that precedes the big event. Because before the battle for positions begins at the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Nordschleife serves as the central testing ground for performance under real-world extreme conditions—and at the same time as the interface between development, motorsports, and production vehicles. The unique combination of length, track characteristics, and weather conditions makes the Nordschleife a place where motorsports, industry, and product development are directly intertwined. What is proven here stands the test not only in competition—but also on the road. “The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsports events worldwide”Christoph Sagemüller, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport For Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is far more than just a single event. “The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsport events worldwide for us—not only historically, but above all strategically,” explains Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. What matters most is not just the result, but performance under real-world conditions: “Overall victories like those in 2013 and 2016 are clear proof of our brand’s performance.”The foundation for this is laid on the track itself. The Nordschleife is considered the ultimate endurance test—and a development platform at the same time. “What works here works under almost all conditions,” says Sagemüller. The insights gained there flow directly into production vehicles—for example, in the areas of driving dynamics, durability, and performance under extreme conditions. Motorsport and production are closely intertwined in this process: “Our goal is to credibly bring performance from the racetrack to the road.” Testing and development work for the performance brand therefore takes place on various levels. As part of the Nürburgring’s official test and development runs, AMG spends up to 17 weeks a year on the Nordschleife. One of the most spectacular results of this work: the Mercedes-AMG ONE—to this day, the fastest production vehicle on the 20.832-kilometer-long Nordschleife as part of the Nürburgring’s official record runs. Also developed on this legendary asphalt: the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO, the so-called “Beast of the Green Hell.” To this day, experienced race car drivers pilot visitors from all over the world around the Nordschleife in this vehicle as part of the Nürburgring’s co-pilot drives—a direct translation of development into a tangible brand experience. “An oil brand that performs on the Nordschleife is more than suitable for everyday use”Martin Huning, RAVENOL  For suppliers as well, the Nordschleife and test and development drives are a central part of their work. RAVENOL uses the track specifically to test and optimize products under real-world conditions.  “We are constantly developing new products and want to test them exactly where they will later be used,” explains Martin Huning, Director of Motorsport at RAVENOL. The Nürburgring is far more than just a test track: “Everyone knows about the special challenges of the Nordschleife. An oil brand that performs here is more than just suitable for everyday use.” The close connection between testing and competition is particularly evident in the context of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. As a title partner, RAVENOL is firmly established and supports a large portion of the vehicles in the legendary race. “In addition to a well-coordinated team and experienced drivers, what’s needed above all is a reliable overall package—and that includes the right operating fluids,” says Huning. “The Nordschleife tests the vehicle, driver, and tires all at once”Alexander Kühn, Goodyear  Goodyear shares a similar perspective, as its tires must prove their performance under extreme conditions. For the tire manufacturer, consistency is the top priority at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. “It’s not about delivering maximum performance for a few laps, but about building reliability and trust over 24 hours,” explains Marco Lo Prato, Manager of Global Communications – Racing at Goodyear. The Nordschleife serves as a “living laboratory” where technologies must prove themselves under real-world extreme conditions. “It tests everything at once—the car, the driver, and the tires,” says Lo Prato. It is precisely these demands that make the Nürburgring a benchmark that extends far beyond motorsports: “The insights from racing flow directly into our production products. What works here builds trust—even in everyday life.” The Nordschleife as a benchmark for development It is no coincidence that even experienced teams and manufacturers return to the Nordschleife every year for targeted testing. With its 73 turns, ascents, and descents, as well as a varied mix of technical sections and high-speed stretches, the Nordschleife constantly presents new challenges for drivers, vehicles, and technology. Added to this is the unique challenge of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring itself: heavy traffic with vehicles of vastly different performance classes, changing conditions day and night, and a race distance that demands the highest precision and reliability.“The Nordschleife presents new demands every year, which is why targeted preparation is essential,” emphasizes Sagemüller. The same principle applies to everyone involved: Success is not achieved during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but in the weeks and months leading up to it—on the track, during testing, and through continuous development. This makes it clear: The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is not only a sporting highlight but also the most visible culmination of a comprehensive development process. The Nordschleife serves as the interface between motorsports, industry, and production vehicles—a victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and a successful record-breaking run stand for one thing above all else: global recognition and visibility. Or, as has always been said in the context of development work:“Everyone praises what has been tested at the Nürburgring.”

Interview with Christoph Sagemüller (Mercedes-AMG Motorsport): What the Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

06.05.2026

Christoph Sagemüller of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport explains why the Green Hell and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are key drivers of development and brand identity. What significance does the 24-hour race hold for your brand?              For Mercedes-AMG, the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsport events worldwide—not only historically, but above all strategically. For us, this endurance classic is an event where our brand must prove itself under extreme conditions. As head of motorsports, however, I don’t measure success there solely by the result, but also by whether we meet our performance standards under real competitive pressure. Overall victories like those in 2013 and 2016 therefore hold special significance for us. They are not only sporting successes but also clear proof of our brand’s capabilities. What significance does the Nordschleife hold for your brand?For us, it is the ultimate endurance test. What works here works under nearly all conditions. This role extends far beyond motorsports. The insights gained there are directly incorporated into our production vehicles, particularly in the areas of driving dynamics, long-term durability, and performance under extreme conditions. There are 24-hour races all over the world. For many, the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife makes all the difference. How do you see it, and why?There are many 24-hour races. Each has its own character, but none combines so many challenges at once as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is known as the “Green Hell” for good reason. The decisive difference lies in the track length as well as in the combination of demanding characteristics, heavy traffic with up to 150 vehicles of various performance classes, and often rapidly changing weather conditions—day and night. This complexity makes the race unique and, in my view, the most demanding 24-hour race in the world. There is also an emotional component: due to its proximity to Affalterbach, our local development site, and close ties to the region, this race feels like a home race for us. What attributes and emotions do you generally associate with the Nordschleife, and what makes this track so special during the 24-hour race?The Nordschleife stands for maximum intensity, precision, and respect. It is one of the most challenging tracks in the world. It demands an exceptionally high level of concentration and discipline from both drivers and the technology. But that is precisely what makes it so appealing. At the same time, the fans, the teams, and the special atmosphere along the track create a unique experience that is virtually unparalleled. For us as a brand, this connection is further brought to life through our own touchpoints, such as the AMG Lounge or grandstand—this creates a sense of closeness and makes the brand tangible on-site. What exactly does it take to be successful on the Nordschleife and, ultimately, in the 24-hour race?Success at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is always the result of a perfectly coordinated overall package. In my view, the following factors are crucial: perfect preparation, flawless team procedures, clean and proactive navigation through traffic, and clear strategic discipline over the entire race distance. Everything beyond that—and what sets this race apart from most others—such as unexpected conditions, heavy traffic with vehicles of very different performance classes and correspondingly large speed differences, as well as the overall course of the race—can only be influenced to a limited extent. That’s why, in addition to preparation, a certain amount of racing luck is always part of the equation. If you’ve been developing and testing at the Nürburgring for years: Why are specific Nordschleife tests even necessary in the run-up to the 24-hour race? The Nordschleife presents new challenges every year, which is why targeted preparation is essential. Changes to the track, varying weather conditions, new tire specifications, and shifting driver and team lineups make it necessary to revalidate every detail. This year, in particular, we are working with new team structures. This makes it all the more important that all processes and coordination are fine-tuned under real-world conditions beforehand. Even our long-standing and highly experienced drivers need and want sufficient preparation time on the Nordschleife to get ready for the race in the best possible way. Because even if you drive the track repeatedly, the combination of the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit, at around 25 kilometers, is exceptionally long. If you extrapolate that to other race tracks, it quickly becomes clear how much more intensive the preparation must be. What role does the Nordschleife play for your brand as a testing and development site for racing, as well as for production vehicles and end-customer products?For Mercedes-AMG, the Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of the most important development sites worldwide. It allows us to test stresses and driving conditions at an intensity and density that cannot be replicated in normal road use. A kilometer driven on the Nordschleife under high-speed conditions is equivalent to many times a standard kilometer in road use. This results in significant added value for our production vehicles. Motorsport is a key driver in this regard: insights from racing are directly incorporated into the development of our high-performance models—with the goal of enabling our customers to experience performance and reliability under extreme conditions. Where is the overlap between racing and products for end customers / normal road traffic?The overlap lies primarily in technology, expertise, and development philosophy. Topics such as aerodynamics, suspension, thermal management, and efficiency are tested in motorsport under extreme conditions and subsequently transferred to production. Our goal is to credibly bring performance from the racetrack to the road. A current example is the parallel development of our new Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the next generation of the road-legal Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. For me, this is the most consistent approach to integrating motorsports and production development. Following question 8: What communication priorities do you derive from the 24-hour race, and what significance does the Nordschleife factor hold for you in this context? a.    In on-site activationOn-site, the focus is on the immediate brand experience. It’s about making performance not just visible, but tangible—through proximity to the brand, exclusive insights, and direct touchpoints such as the lounge, showroom, or grandstand.b.    In national/international communications surrounding the race? In international communications, we use the race as a credible stage for our performance expertise. The key point is: We demonstrate our capabilities not in a lab, but in real competition under extreme conditions.c.    In long-term strategic communications?In the long term, our involvement contributes to positioning Mercedes-AMG as a high-performance brand. The Nordschleife is the most visible proof of our capabilities. It stands for credibility, durability, technical substance, and our commitment to continuously proving ourselves under the toughest conditions.

Interview with Martin Huning (RAVENOL): What the Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

06.05.2026

In this interview, Martin Huning of RAVENOL explains why the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is indispensable as a litmus test for development, performance, and innovation. What significance does the 24-hour race hold for your brand?For the RAVENOL brand, the 24-hour race is the motorsports highlight of the year. No other event showcases RAVENOL as prominently as the endurance marathon in the Eifel. We are the title partner of the event and, in addition to numerous displays around the track, our branding is featured on all vehicle start numbers and driver suits. Furthermore, we supply our products to a good third of the entire starting field. What significance does the Nordschleife hold for your brand?We are a company with a very broad international presence. And the Nordschleife is truly a household name everywhere and known to our customers worldwide. When customers ask me about RAVENOL’s motorsport activities, the conversation always turns to the Nordschleife very quickly. 24-hour races take place all over the world. For many, the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring makes all the difference. How do you see that, and why?The “Green Hell” certainly lives up to its name as a racetrack in and of itself and demands everything from drivers and equipment over the long distance. To my knowledge, the Nürburgring is the longest permanent racetrack in the world. The total number of vehicles is also impressive. The variety of vehicle categories across more than twenty classes is unique. What attributes and emotions do you generally associate with the Nordschleife, and what makes this track so special during the 24-hour race?As is well known, the Nordschleife is open to anyone who wants to take it for a spin during public driving sessions. This is a special experience for motorsport fans and makes the Nordschleife very “accessible” and familiar. The track will also be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. It has seen a lot and has always provided visitors with excellent entertainment throughout all that time. And the fans themselves are just as special as the Nordschleife itself. It’s truly impressive what goes into “creative camping” at the 24 Hours of the Nordschleife, especially in terms of the structures built. And then the fans transform the Eifel into one big “motorsport festival.” What exactly does it take to be successful on the Nordschleife and ultimately in the 24-hour race?In addition to a driver lineup with solid Nordschleife experience and a well-coordinated racing team, it’s a vehicle that’s both powerful and reliable. In addition to functional components like the engine and transmission, other fundamental automotive components are naturally required. That’s where we come into play with our products. In a 24-hour race, however, it doesn’t hurt to have a little luck on your side. If you’ve been developing and testing at the Nürburgring for years: Why are specific Nordschleife tests even necessary in the run-up to the 24-hour race? We are constantly developing new products while simultaneously modifying our proven operating fluids. Especially when it comes to performance-enhancing products,we want to test them there before competition use, in the very conditions where they’ll later be put to the test. What role does the Nordschleife play for your brand as a testing and development site for racing applications as well as for production vehicles and consumer products?As the saying goes: “Everyone praises what’s tested at the Nürburgring!” And that is absolutely true. Everyone knows about the special challenges the Nordschleife poses for both people and equipment. Our racing products, which have been successfully used at the Nürburgring for many years, even bear the “Nürburgring tested” logo, which builds trust in the brand. An oil brand that performs on the Nordschleife is more than suitable for everyday use. Where is the overlap between racing applications and products for end customers / normal road use?Motorsports in general serve to help us continuously improve our products in terms of performance and sustainability, or to design new products based on demand. The input we receive through our collaboration with manufacturers, racing series, and teams is invaluable for further developing both our company and our lubricants. And our production-line products are in no way inferior to our racing lubricants; after all, everything comes from the same source, and to a large extent, the same employees are involved in the development. Following up on Question 8: What communication priorities do you derive from the 24-hour race, and what significance does the Nordschleife factor hold for you in this context? a.    In on-site activation The goal is to introduce the brand and relevant products to a large audience both on-site and via communication channels (TV, internet, etc.), and to do so at one of the world’s most renowned races and racetracks.b.    In national/international communication surrounding the race? We position the 24-hour race as an absolute highlight, with record numbers of spectators, cars, teams, drivers, TV reach, and broadcast duration.c.    In long-term strategic communication?RAVENOL brings together its most important partnerships at the 24-hour race: With the Nürburgring as a racetrack, with the 24-hour race itself, and with the vehicle manufacturers, teams, and drivers. In addition, there is our lounge, where we welcome employees and guests for whom the aforementioned combination of engagements represents an impressive experience. We field the Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL with the GT3. We pursue all of this as a long-term strategy, and it forms an important motorsports focus for us.

Interview with Alexander Kühn (Goodyear): What the Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

06.05.2026

Alexander Kühn of Goodyear discusses the challenges of the Nordschleife and explains how insights from the 24-hour race are incorporated into product development. What significance does the 24h race have for your brand?For Goodyear, a 24 hour race represents the ultimate proof point of performance continuity. It’s not about delivering peak performance for a few laps, but about maintaining consistency, reliability and confidence over an entire day and night of racing. This philosophy is deeply rooted in our DNA and connects directly with iconic events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring or the 24h of Le Mans, where Goodyear has demonstrated, time and again, its ability to support teams with tires that perform predictably and consistently under extreme and evolving conditions. A 24 hour race is where trust is built and earned. What significance does the Nordschleife have for your brand?The Nürburgring Nordschleife holds a unique place in Goodyear’s racing heritage. As one of the most demanding circuits in the world - combining high speeds, technical sections, elevation changes and constantly evolving grip levels - Goodyear has achieved multiple victories there and remains a trusted partner for teams across categories. Most recently, Goodyear secured wins in both the GT3 Pro AM and AM classes in the final Qualifier race ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.  What does success at the Nordschleife represent for Goodyear today, both in terms of heritage and ongoing relevance in motorsport?For Goodyear, Nordschleife is a true living laboratory. It pushes tire technology to its limits and perfectly reflects what we stand for: engineering excellence, durability, and performance consistency under pressure. Beyond the track itself, the Nürburgring also represents one of Goodyear’s longest standing partnerships in motorsport. As an official partner of the Nürburgring, it has become one of the most powerful places in the world to experience the excitement of motorsport and to engage with the millions of fans who gather around this iconic venue every year. There are 24h races all over the world. For many, the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring makes the difference. How do you see this and why?We fully understand why the Nordschleife stands apart. While many circuits test speed or endurance, the Nordschleife tests everything at once - car, driver and tire.Its length, complexity and unpredictability make it a true benchmark for endurance racing. Success here requires not just outright performance, but a tire that delivers confidence, stability and consistency over long stints, changing weather and varying track conditions. That combination is what makes the Nürburgring 24h so special - and so meaningful for Goodyear. What attributes and emotions do you generally associate with the Nordschleife, and what makes this track even more special during the 24h race?The Nordschleife is synonymous with respect, intensity and authenticity. It commands focus and rewards precision. During the 24 hour race, those emotions are amplified. Racing through day and night, in changing temperatures and conditions, creates a unique experience. For Goodyear, it embodies the essence of endurance racing: resilience, teamwork and unwavering performance over time. What does it take in concrete terms to be successful on the Nordschleife and ultimately also in the 24h race?Success at the Nordschleife, and over a full 24 hours, comes down to performance continuity. Teams need tires they can rely on lap after lap, stint after stint, without surprises. From our side, this means delivering products that combine grip, consistency and predictability, allowing drivers and teams to stay focused on execution rather than adaptation. Whether it’s the Nürburgring or the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the principle remains the same: endurance racing rewards consistency - and that is where Goodyear excels. If you have been developing and testing at the Nürburgring for years: why are specific Nordschleife tests still required in the run-up to the 24h race?Even after years of development and testing at the Nürburgring, specific Nordschleife testing remains essential ahead of the 24‑hour race because the circuit is never static. Conditions change constantly - from weather and temperature to track evolution and traffic density - and the demands of a 24‑hour event are fundamentally different from any other race. Pre‑event testing allows us to validate tire behavior under the exact conditions teams are likely to face during the race weekend, refine compound selection, and ensure absolute consistency and predictability over long stints. At the Nordschleife, success is not about peak performance alone - it is about consistency, confidence and repeatability over time. These final tests ensure our tires are fully aligned with the unique challenges of the race and give teams the trust they need to focus on execution when it matters most. What role does the Nordschleife play for your brand as a test and development location for racing as well as for production vehicles and end-customer products? Running on the Nürburgring Nordschleife is a performance and validation requirement for several OE manufacturers, proving relevance not only in racing, but also in consumer product development. Where is the overlap between racing and the product for the end customer / normal road use? The overlap between racing and everyday road use lies in the fundamentals. In racing, we push tires to their absolute limits in terms of load, temperature, durability and predictability - often over long stints and under constantly changing conditions. Those same qualities are exactly what customers value on the road: confidence, consistency and longevity - not just peak grip. Circuits like the Nürburgring Nordschleife act as a bridge between these two worlds. It is a proving ground not only for racing tires, but also a validation benchmark for production and OE tires. The data, materials knowledge and construction solutions developed in racing are directly transferred into our road products, from compound behavior to structural integrity and wet grip performance.In short, racing allows us to accelerate learning at the extreme, and that learning translates into better, more reliable and more advanced tires for everyday drivers. That race to road transfer is at the core of Goodyear’s approach and a key reason why our products perform not just on the track, but where it matters most - on public roads. Following on from question 8: which communication priorities do you derive from the 24h race and what significance does the Nordschleife factor have for you in this context?The Nürburgring is an exceptional, multi‑layered communication platform for Goodyear. On one level, performance sits at the core: delivering strong results and explaining how we work is a key international communication priority, because performing well at the Nürburgring is a powerful statement in itself. This is precisely why we are a long‑term partner of the circuit. The Nordschleife represents the ultimate benchmark, and continuing to improve there is one of our objectives - there is no better place to challenge ourselves, push performance limits and demonstrate our engineering credibility to a global audience driven by passion and authenticity.

Former Grandstand Becomes Test & Performance Center | T13

25.03.2026

The Nürburgring is making targeted investments in its future as a benchmark for the automotive industry. With the modernization of T13 and its transformation into the “Test & Performance Center | T13,” the former grandstand located directly on the Nordschleife—at the entrance to Nürburg—has been fundamentally redesigned. A modern infrastructure creates optimal working conditions for engineers from around the world who test vehicles and components here under real-world conditions and use the Nordschleife as a benchmark during official record-breaking runs. The former Grandstand 13, which has not been used as a spectator area for many years, is now the central operational hub for test and development runs on the Nordschleife. This is where the intensive development work of around 50 international companies begins and ends each year—ranging from component testing to full vehicle trials. “T13 is the heart of our industrial use of the Nordschleife. The elite of the international automotive industry works here for up to 17 weeks a year—and the demands on infrastructure and the working environment are correspondingly high,” explains Managing Director Ingo Böder. Comprehensive Modernization – From Technical Infrastructure to AsphaltLast winter, the entire site underwent extensive modernization. In addition to a complete renewal of the asphalt surfaces and technical infrastructure—particularly regarding data and utility lines—the energy and charging infrastructure was expanded with the future in mind. A new photovoltaic system on the roof, along with AVIA high-power charging stations, provide clear momentum toward sustainable and high-performance mobility. As part of these measures, the asphalt surface at T13 was also completely renewed. The building itself was completely gutted and its interior rebuilt from the ground up. An aging existing building has thus been transformed into a modern, functional, and high-quality workplace. “We deliberately chose not just to renovate here, but to rethink the space. The result is a holistic concept that reflects, both functionally and visually, the standards we set for this location,” Böder continued. The modernization of T13 not only strengthened operational performance but also significantly enhanced the building’s exterior appearance. Today, the site stands as a visible statement of innovation, quality, and sustainability—and thus as a fitting setting for the development work carried out here every day. The Nordschleife as a benchmark: From development to measurable performanceA central component of this overall concept is the topic of performance: For the work that begins at T13 finds its high-profile culmination on the track—in the form of official, timed laps on the Nordschleife. These so-called record runs are far more than mere best times: They are an internationally recognized seal of quality for development work under real-world extreme conditions. “If a vehicle performs convincingly on the Nordschleife, that’s a strong selling point for the market. The combination of testing, development, and verifiable performance makes the Nürburgring unique,” says Managing Director Christian Stephani. To ensure maximum transparency and comparability, these runs take place under clearly defined conditions—including notarial supervision, certified measurement technology, and technical inspection of the vehicles. Last year alone, 20 such record slots were allocated, with 14 of them resulting in officially communicated lap times. “The demand shows the significance the Nordschleife holds for manufacturers worldwide. Performance at this level is no coincidence, but the result of intensive development work—and that is precisely where it begins here at T13,” says Stephani.With its investment in the “Test and Performance Center | T13,” the Nürburgring is sharpening its decades-old slogan, “Everyone praises what’s Nürburgring-tested,” as a clear promise for the future. Testing, development, and measurable performance are coming further into focus—and the Nordschleife remains the place where it is decided what a vehicle can truly achieve.

Between secrecy and global appeal

27.01.2026

For decades, the Nürburgring has been the test and development platform of the international automotive industry. As part of the “Test and Development Drives,” manufacturers and suppliers use the Nordschleife to test and refine vehicles and components under real-world extreme conditions – on the most demanding racetrack in the world. In an interview, the Nürburgring CEO's Christian Stephani and Ingo Böder explain how testing, confidentiality, and global visibility come together at the Nürburgring: Many people have heard of the colloquially known “industry pool” at the Nürburgring – but only very few know what actually lies behind it…Ingo Böder: Officially, it is referred to as the “Nürburgring Test and Development Drives” – a collaboration between the Nürburgring and automotive manufacturers and suppliers who specifically test and further develop their vehicles and products here. Over the course of the year, we exclusively make the Nordschleife available for a total of 17 weeks for this purpose. This is not a marketing event, but genuine engineering work. Vehicles are tested, refined, and improved here – from suspension systems to software. You could say that the Nordschleife is the automotive industry’s longest open-air laboratory. Why is the Nürburgring still so important for vehicle development today?Christian Stephani: Because the Nordschleife offers everything a vehicle may encounter in everyday use and at the limit – only more concentrated. Our track provides the ideal foundation: around 21 kilometers, 73 corners, gradients of up to 18 percent, descents of up to 11 percent, varying asphalt surfaces, and changing weather conditions. One kilometer driven on the Nordschleife can place as much stress on a vehicle as up to twenty kilometers on public roads. Weak points are eliminated and potential is uncovered here before a car goes into production and ultimately reaches customers. A product that withstands the Nordschleife will withstand any other road. That is why almost every vehicle – or at least one of its installed components – has been tested on the Nordschleife. This is also where the guiding principle originates: “Everyone praises what has been Nürburgring-tested,” a slogan coined in the early days of our racetrack and still valid today. What do these test and development weeks look like in practice?Ingo Böder: During the test and development weeks, manufacturers arrive at the Nürburgring with their development vehicles and teams. Drivers, engineers, data specialists, and mechatronics technicians work hand in hand here. During this time, a small, highly specialized ecosystem emerges – along with an economic stimulus for the region. Many manufacturers have set up their own bases in the surrounding commercial areas, where vehicles are prepared and analyzed when they are not on track.The central hub of testing activities on the Nordschleife is the building known as “T13” and the operational area in front of this former grandstand, which has given the entire area its name to this day. Technical support, data analysis, setup work, and the start of test runs all converge here. This is where the teams are based who support the development work behind the scenes. That is why we will significantly upgrade this area over the winter. What does the upgrade of the “T13” involve?Christian Stephani: We want to provide an appropriate setting for the work carried out there. After all, a great deal comes together here – shielded from the outside world – from international engineering expertise to the mobility of the future, all of which defines the high-quality products of the automotive and supplier industries. The test and development drives were also one of the reasons why we raised safety to a new level through the complete digitalization of the Nordschleife. For our industry partners, this means greater safety, higher efficiency, and long-term stable conditions for test and development weeks on a track that is partly blind and extremely challenging.Now the “T13” is in focus: following the installation of photovoltaic systems on the former grandstand and the setup of fast-charging stations by our partner AVIA, we are taking the next steps in its further development. In the coming weeks, working conditions on site for company employees will be improved. To this end, the building’s interior will be completely stripped and modernized. In addition, the asphalt in the “T13” area will be renewed, and the external appearance will be adapted to reflect the theme in the future. What will this external appearance look like, and how does it align with the confidential development work carried out there?Ingo Böder: We want it to be visible from the outside what happens here – namely test and development work at the highest level. We tell the story of vehicle development on the Nordschleife, not the manufacturers’ secrets. Everyone knows that development and testing take place here – that is part of the Nürburgring’s DNA. We want to share this story as a sign of appreciation, without touching on trade secrets or violating confidentiality.This will also be reflected in the building’s visual design. Part of this includes a new naming: “Test & Performance Center | T13,” which will be prominently displayed. In doing so, we do justice to the topic without neglecting the historical past – the building’s roots as a former grandstand. The slogan “Everyone praises what has been Nürburgring-tested” will also find its place here. A fascinating balancing act: while the test drives take place behind the scenes, record runs on the Nordschleife are visible worldwide…Christian Stephani: Absolutely – and one is the foundation of the other. On the Nordschleife, you truly discover what your car is capable of. That is why every record lap is backed by intensive development work – often carried out right here during the test and development drives. These provide the basis for later presenting the vehicles on the global stage. A fast lap on the Nordschleife is the most visible quality promise a manufacturer can make. If a car succeeds here, it has proven itself – technically, emotionally, and communicatively. Has the increasingly international nature of communication also changed the test and development drives?Christian Stephani: The members of the test and development drives are more international than ever. In addition to the major German and European brands, manufacturers from Asia and America are now an integral part as well – often originating from the desire to set and communicate a fast lap on the Nordschleife. Without development work on the track, however, this is simply impossible. Ford, BYD, and Xiaomi are recent examples showing that the Nürburgring is a globally recognized seal of quality for successful development work and also an excellent communication platform. First testing and development, then an official record attempt – this sequence applies to everyone. So the foundation for global communication is laid at the Nürburgring. To conclude: from the Nürburgring’s perspective, what makes the test and development drives and the collaboration on site so special?Ingo Böder: The test and development drives represent the DNA of the Nürburgring – and vice versa. There is also a mutual fascination and respect: for the track and the Nürburgring’s work on one side, and for the manufacturer’s engineering expertise and product on the other. That is why the execution and framework conditions of the test and development drives are continuously being further developed – often hand in hand, to achieve greater efficiency, safety, and a positive working environment. And ultimately, something is created here on the 20.832 kilometers of the Nordschleife that millions of people around the world come into contact with and trust to simply work. That is what excites us.

Record chase on the Nordschleife – the official best times 2025

11.12.2025

Fourteen official lap times in eleven vehicle categories – from electric prototypes to near-series touring station wagons. At the official record attempts in 2025, a wide variety of manufacturers and vehicles once again took on the challenge of the Nordschleife. The fastest lap of the year went to China, the most extraordinary to the USA – and the all-time record remains in Germany. Every year, the official Nürburgring record drives demonstrate the performance capabilities of a wide variety of vehicles at the Nürburgring. The terrain: the legendary Nordschleife. With a length of 20.832 kilometers, over 300 meters of elevation difference, and 73 turns per lap, it is considered one of the toughest tests in the automotive world. It is the relentless yardstick for every vehicle – whether prototype, production model, combustion engine or electric. Here, performance means not only speed, but absolute resilience under extreme conditions. The record attempts take place under specified conditions. With calibrated measurement technology, under the supervision of TÜV Rheinland and a notary, and sorted according to the vehicle segments of the Federal Motor Transport Authority. 20 record slots – 14 officially communicated times20 so-called record slots – time slots exclusively rented by companies for record attempts lasting up to a whole day – are documented for 2025. In the end, 14 vehicles and times made it into the communication – from electric super sports cars to powerful station wagons to spectacular prototypes. The latter also account for most of the officially measured and communicated times in the overall overview of the year. In 2025, seven vehicles were able to have their performance certified by a notary in the prototype/pre-production model category. Prototype from China with the fastest time of the year – all-time record remains unchangedThe annual ranking of record-breaking drives is led by the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype, which was driven around the Nordschleife by David Pittard in 6:22.091 minutes on April 1 of this year. This means that the fastest time in 2025 goes to the Chinese electric car. The second-fastest time also comes from the same category. The vehicle itself was probably the most unusual sight of the year: the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. The all-electric vehicle from the Ford Performance Demonstrator program, with Romain Dumas at the wheel, took just 6:43.482 minutes to complete a lap in August of this year. Drew Cattell was only six seconds slower in June with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X (6:49.275 minutes). However, the fastest lap measured in an official record attempt remains unbroken in 2025 and has now stood for seven years. The fabulous time of 5:19.546 minutes set in 2018 by Timo Bernhard in the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo on the asphalt of the Nordschleife. Three times under seven minutes in the sports car categoryIn the sports car (combustion engine) category, three models remained below the magical seven-minute mark in 2025, demonstrating their high performance and dynamic precision. The fastest here in 2025 was the Ford Mustang GTD, which was driven across the finish line by Dirk Müller in 6:52.072 minutes on April 9, 2025. Just a few tenths behind was the Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2) with Manthey Performance Kit, driven by the newly crowned DTM champion Ayhancan Güven, with a measured time of 6:52.981 minutes. The trio is completed by the Porsche 911 GT3, driven by Jörg Bergmeister, who achieved a time of 6:56.294 minutes on April 8, 2025. The fastest vehicle in the category remains the Porsche 991 GT2 RS with Manthey Performance Kit, with which Lars Kern took just 6:43.300 minutes for a lap in 2021. And the fastest road car of all time also remains on its throne: the Mercedes-AMG ONE (6:29.090 | Supercar category (combustion engine) | Driver Maro Engel | driven in 2024). Fastest station wagon and fastest compact car of all time from BMWBMW entered the official Nürburgring record books in two combustion engine categories in 2025. With Jörg Weidinger at the wheel, the BMW M2 CS first took the top spot in the compact class with a time of 7:25.534 minutes, followed by the BMW M3 CS Touring in the mid-size car rankings. The latter became the fastest “station wagon” on the legendary Nordschleife across all classes. Two other production vehicles secured their places among the electric-powered cars. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra with Track Package (driver: Vincent Radermecker) took the top spot in the luxury class (electric) with a time of 7:04.957 minutes. The YANGWANG U9 Xtreme – category: super sports car (electric) – with Moritz Kranz at the wheel broke the 7-minute barrier and crossed the official finish line after exactly 6:59.157 minutes. Record-breaking drives as a globally visible result of intensive development“The official record-breaking drives are much more than just a media-effective format: they are the culmination of a long technical development process and showcase the engineering achievements and performance capabilities of modern vehicles,” explains Nürburgring Managing Director Christian Stephani. “Many companies have been developing their vehicles and components on the Nordschleife for years – often far away from the public eye. The record-breaking laps are the highly visible result of this intensive work. The diversity of the officially measured lap times in 2025 impressively demonstrates the role the Nordschleife plays for manufacturers worldwide – as a stage, a testing ground, and a development  ➡️ Click here to see all records.