The (newer) Nurburgring is in use this weekend for the German Grand Prix. Up in the mountains, it is close to Michael Schumacher’s home town of Kerpen, so I am sure he has done many laps of the famous “old” Nurburgring. Unfortunately, the days of the old circuit through the forest have gone, as far as F1 is concerned.
Following claims from the drivers that the classic old circuit was too dangerous, this alternative five km circuit, with little character, was constructed in 1984, close to the original track. It is of interest to note that the first thing that the new generation of F1 drivers do on arrival at the circuit is to shell out a few Deutschmarks to drive the famous old circuit, the Nordschleife!
Nurburgring
Nobody could ever claim to be the absolute master of the Nordschleife, which is still used today for Touring Car and Sports car categories. Any driver who has driven on the old circuit speaks in terms of awe of what is possibly the most demanding circuit ever constructed. I have driven it! Totally mind blowing! A circuit that keeps you on your toes for the entire lap. The laconic ex-F1 driver Aussie Frank Gardner, with a total disregard for political correctness, claimed it was designed by Adolf Hitler for Jewish drivers!
I will be watching from my perch at Jameson’s Irish Pub Soi AR, in front of the big screen. Join me at 6 p.m. for a meal before the action starts at 7 p.m. We watch the BBC on the new super biggest screen and enjoy good commentary and we don’t have to suffer the adverts either!
And will Sebastian (the finger) Vettel excel at his home Grand Prix? Will Mark (I’m deaf) Webber turn his radio off? Can Fernando (the eyebrows) Alonso pull another rabbit from the helmet? We will know by 9 p.m. on Sunday night.
