938 replies to this topic

[Lights]

 

Herzlich willkommen am Nürburgring!

After having hosted the German, European, and Luxembourg GP’s in its century-long history, the Nürburgring will now do the honors of premiering the Eifel GP.

 

Circuit map

 

 

History

F1 has raced at its larger variant the Nordschleife since their very beginning. But after Lauda's horric crash in 1976, F1 wisely stopped doing so.

But they returned in the 80's at what is locally known as the Nürburgring GP-Strecke. Nick Heidfeld and Michael Schumacher have since driven the Nordschleife in an F1 car, albeit rather carefully:

 

 

What happened last year?

Nothing much. F1 last raced at the Nürburgring 7 years ago when the cars had V8’s in the back and the grid looked like this:

 

The result back then: Sebastian Vettel won his first and only home Grand Prix in his career so far, in front of the Lotus’ of Raikkonen and Grosjean.

 

Other years in recent history

The Nürburgring has also been able to deliver some drama from time to time. How can we forget:

 

1999. The race no one wanted to win, resulting in Stewart GP's only victory:

 

2005. The nightmare moment for Raikkonen and McLaren fans:

 

2007. A third of the field aquaplaned off in Turn 1:

 

2007. Markus Winkelhock leading the race in a Spyker:

 

2007. Battle for the win between Alonso and Massa:

 

2009. The first victory for Mark Webber:

 

2011. A great battle between 3 teams, ultimately won by Hamilton. Bonus video

 

Some video footage of these and other moments of the circuits' history:

 

Current standings

Back to now. Standings. At first I was against the kebab, but I couldn't help myself:

 

It looks like we're gonna have a close battle for 4th place until the end of the season. Recently you have spoken and predicted Ricciardo will win that battle. So we better keep an eye on him this weekend!

 

Weather

 

Just kidding. But I’m at least expecting to see some beanie hats. Central Europe in October isn't the warmest.

We’re probably looking at the coldest race weekend in quite a while, with it looking unlikely to reach 10 degrees in the weekend.

The main question is how the Pirelli’s will behave, and which teams will be able to get the most out of them in these cold temperatures. Time for DAS to shine?

^{(will update daily)}

 

Tire selection

 

MIN. STARTING PRESSURES (slicks) - 22.5 psi (front) | 19.0 psi (rear)

EOS CAMBER LIMIT - -3.50° (front) | -2.00° (rear)

 

Free practice drivers

The current 1-2 in the F2 standings, Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott, will make their free practice debut this Friday, driving FP1 for Alfa Romeo Racing and Haas respectively.

Giovinazzi and Grosjean were so kind to lend out their cars for this session and will receive a box of cookies as compensation.

 

Schedule

(local times, for your timezone check formula1.com)

(local times, for your timezone check formula1.com)

(local times, for your timezone check formula1.com)

 

Enjoy the racing everyone!

Edited by Lights, 09 October 2020 - 06:54.

[Anja]

The modern Nurburgring doesn't seem to get a lot of love but I always liked it. Really looking forward to this!

[PayasYouRace]

Wonderful OP. Nice to see F1 back at the mini Nurburgring. The 2011 race is still one that stays with me as one of the best race long battles in modern times.

[noikeee]

They shouldn't have named it after that tower in Paris.

[JimmyClark]

Great OP. I remember when I was growing up, this track was called "bland" "modern" "soulless" "too many gravel traps" - now we are going back and it feels like a retro classic. 

 

I still can't believe that 2007 race; probably the most mental first few laps in F1 history. I really enjoyed it. 

 

As for this year, the big talking point will be temperatures. How will these tyres cope with 9c? Will we see a graining nightmare, or actually will they work well? (poor Bono must be nervous). 

 

Hopefully we will get lots of on-and-off drizzle for the race. If it's sunny here of all places, then we know the weather gods really hate F1. 

[JHSingo]

I like this circuit - far more than the modern Hockenheim, anyway. And it feels like we've had quite a few good races here, aided by the weather and other weird goings on.

 

I wish there was more footage of that 2011 race somewhere. I seem to remember that was a really good battle for the win.

[Lights]

I wish there was more footage of that 2011 race somewhere. I seem to remember that was a really good battle for the win.

 

You ask, we deliver (streamable)

 

^{Source (Reddit)} 

Edited by Lights, 05 October 2020 - 14:43.

[Marklar]

if this isnt a washout I stop believing in rain races in F1

[Atreiu]

Hooray. Race week.

[thegamer23]

Stunning OP Lights!!     

Looking forward to this weekend. Iconic circuit & uncertain weather conditions should provide exciting times

[ArrowsLivery]

Merc could lap the field twice at those temperatures. I can hardly wait.

[robefc]

Thanks for the bonus video, Lights!

What a race that was, such a weird year for Lewis, remembered as his annus horribilis but some absolutely top drawer drives too.

[NixxxoN]

This is going to be a huge borefest. I like the track but its too narrow and hard to overtake for current f1 cars. Hockenheim is far far better in this aspect.

Edited by NixxxoN, 05 October 2020 - 15:31.

[BiggestBuddyLazierFan]

Autumn rainy day

[cpbell]

This is going to be a huge borefest. I like the track but its too narrow and hard to overtake for current f1 cars. Hockenheim is far far better in this aspect.

Certainly used to be a reasonable venue back when F1 cars weren't like canal boats, but probably unsuitable for the current generation, sadly.  Given the history of the venue, they really ought to have called the race the Eifelrennen.

[Jops14]

I like this circuit - far more than the modern Hockenheim, anyway. And it feels like we've had quite a few good races here, aided by the weather and other weird goings on.

I wish there was more footage of that 2011 race somewhere. I seem to remember that was a really good battle for the win.

Hmm im the exact opposite, always preferred hockenheim

If this race has no rain ill be devestated, i mean its October!! Surely we’ll have some

[Stephane]

Well, the track has always given more spectacle than anticipated. So we'll see.

[Anja]

Wasn't Mugello supposed to be a no-overtaking race? 

[Louis Mr. F1]

Wonderful OP. Nice to see F1 back at the mini Nurburgring. The 2011 race is still one that stays with me as one of the best race long battles in modern times.

 

yes the 2011 race was memorable, i happened to attend this one and was sitting on the main straight grandstanding overlooking the pit exit area;  i remember seeing 2 cars going side-by-side on the straight with a 3rd car exiting the pit, all 3 were fighting for the lead went three abreast.  

[Burtros]

This is going to be a huge borefest. I like the track but its too narrow and hard to overtake for current f1 cars. Hockenheim is far far better in this aspect.

Spoken like it’s the track that’s the problem....

Hey I’m looking forward to this one. Great track but the race if it’s dry is unlikely to be very interesting as usual these days.

I’m going to be doing a rain dance.

[taz]

The result back then: Sebastian Vettel won his first and only home Grand Prix in his career so far, in front of the Lotus’ of Raikkonen and Grosjean.

Imagine the same drivers on the podium sunday

Maybe they could bring the same weather as in '99

Edited by taz, 05 October 2020 - 16:24.

[r4mses]

Imagine the same drivers on the podium on the podium sunday

Maybe they could bring the same weather as in '99

 

Would people be okay with RAI getting a podium if it's at the price of GRO getting one, too?

[Izzyeviel]

if this isnt a washout I stop believing in rain races in F1

10 minutes into the race, one of the presenters will read a text message from a fan/friend 'It is heavy rain 2 miles from the circuit! Heading towards us!'

 

 

 

It will rain 10 minutes after the GP finishes. 

[Grayson]

10 minutes into the race, one of the presenters will read a text message from a fan/friend 'It is heavy rain 2 miles from the circuit! Heading towards us!'



It will rain 10 minutes after the GP finishes.

“There are a few spots of rain on the camera and drivers have been on team radio saying that it’s starting to rain around turns one and two...”

[PayasYouRace]

Certainly used to be a reasonable venue back when F1 cars weren't like canal boats, but probably unsuitable for the current generation, sadly. Given the history of the venue, they really ought to have called the race the Eifelrennen.

I think we should all be calling it the Eifelrennen anyway.

[HeadFirst]

Would people be okay with RAI getting a podium if it's at the price of GRO getting one, too?

 

I would be like a parting gift for Grosjean, who has provided us with many interesting moments, and the occasional display of speed and skill over the years. I would certainly approve of a Vettel, Raikkonen, Grojean podium. 

[jjcale]

I'm calling it .... wet weather classic, incoming.... cant wait. 

 

LH v MV ... the showdown 

[TomNokoe]

Thank you, Lights!

Oh boy, I love love love this track. Although, I am biased because of its tendency to throw us Hamilton fans into a sea of emotions.

The straights are long, but not deliberately long as to force overtaking. The quick corners are quick, but not too quick. The slow corners are purposeful and difficult, instead of micky mouse and fiddly. I can't think of one corner that will be "sanitised" this year, as often happens at other circuits, despite the crazy amounts of downforce. If anything, it will become even more challenging. Mega bonus points for the camber and undulation. Just a great, great racetrack. I really hope fears of the cars outgrowing the track don't come to fruition.

Now, as I was saying - sea of emotions for LH fans. His superb breakout double GP2 victory in 2006, the qualifying crash, first stint chaos and loss of his podium streak in 2007, the dashed first lap hope of McLaren's mega upgrade in 2009, the drive of his life in 2011 , his superb pole in 2013. I still vividly remember Vettel trouncing the field in FP3, only for Hamilton to snatch the unlikeliest of poles a few hours later! Pure joy

After those frustrating Monza and Sochi weekends, I am looking forward to a throwback, attacking Hamilton grand prix. But, if Bottas really is the "low-grip specialist", there's not a better chance to prove it with the forecast temperatures.

I've got half an inkling that Max will be right there this weekend. The circuit doesn't reward power as much as others, and takes real aggression to find lap-time. Wet or dry I think he will closer to the front than usual.

The midfield fight will just be crazy. McLaren, Racing Point and Ferrari all have upgrades, some bonafide, some belated for the second car. Renault need to continue their good form but you could argue the track layout really doesn't suit them. Vettel has never ever gone well here (despite his 2013 win), and with the season he's having, I wouldn't like to be in his shoes this weekend.

Alfa/Haas/Williams will be closer to the points. This has always felt like a Kimi track, hopefully he can bring more points for Alfa.

Mick's FP debut feels like one of those "I was there when" moments. I will be watching intensely. A great occasion. Ilott too in the Haas will need to make a good impression. Hopefully it stays dry for them both.

I do love some extreme F1 weather! According to the internet, the coldest Grand Prix ever was Canada 1978, a massive 5°C. We won't break that particular record this weekend, but it's not going to be too much warmer. I can't remember a weekend this cold in a long, long time. It will definitely throw up some surprises, whether it's setup, tyres, chassis. Personally I couldn't care for rain, the cold is interesting enough for me!

The mini 2 week break was nice, it's always fun to come back to a GP with plenty of stories bubbling through the paddock. Unfortunately no F2/F3, but it should be a really good weekend. And again the race is slightly early on Sunday, 13:10 UK time!

[JimmyClark]

I would be like a parting gift for Grosjean, who has provided us with many interesting moments, and the occasional display of speed and skill over the years. I would certainly approve of a Vettel, Raikkonen, Grojean podium. 

 

That would be more unexpected than the Monza podium. 

[thegamer23]

Sunday will be super cold.

9°c highest temperature, 4°c the coldest

[ANF]

Sunday will be super cold.
9°c highest temperature, 4°c the coldest

Oh. Don't forget to put on a second layer of thermal underwear.

[Alexis*27]

Forecast at the moment seems to be highest chance of dry weather on the Friday (because the rain is going to be over the UK). Our wet weather then spins into the North Sea and south towards the circuit over the weekend.

[masa90]

Always loved this track. Hopefully there will a good race. Hoping for a Bottas "jackpot" to get any chance of wdcbattle. And for Kimi/Alfa to get a clean weekend with point(s).

[Izzyeviel]

“There are a few spots of rain on the camera and drivers have been on team radio saying that it’s starting to rain around turns one and two...”

 

Williams mechanic spits in pitlane

FIA: It's a wet race!

 

Someone spills their Red Bull in the pitlane

FIA: Safety car for ten laps!

[Fastcake]

I have good memories of races at the Nurburgring, although as the last race clashed with Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013 and the one before that I was watching in a bar on holiday, I realise I don't really remember much since Webber's win in 2009.

 

That 2007 race was of course utterly insane. I don't think I've ever seen such a sudden onslaught of rain turn a track from dry to flooded and undrivable so quickly. And we'll never forget the legendary Markus Winkelhock, who retired from sport leading half of all laps he drove. For those who want to revisit it, the first segment of the race is on youtube. Slight warning, you'll flinch when you see how close Liuzzi gets to hitting the tractor.

 

 

[thegamer23]

I have good memories of races at the Nurburgring, although as the last race clashed with Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013 and the one before that I was watching in a bar on holiday, I realise I don't really remember much since Webber's win in 2009.

 

That 2007 race was of course utterly insane. I don't think I've ever seen such a sudden onslaught of rain turn a track from dry to flooded and undrivable so quickly. And we'll never forget the legendary Markus Winkelhock, who retired from sport leading half of all laps he drove. For those who want to revisit it, the first segment of the race is on youtube. Slight warning, you'll flinch when you see how close Liuzzi gets to hitting the tractor.

 

And from the grandstands!

[ARTGP]

I have good memories of races at the Nurburgring, although as the last race clashed with Murray winning Wimbledon in 2013 and the one before that I was watching in a bar on holiday, I realise I don't really remember much since Webber's win in 2009.

 

That 2007 race was of course utterly insane. I don't think I've ever seen such a sudden onslaught of rain turn a track from dry to flooded and undrivable so quickly. And we'll never forget the legendary Markus Winkelhock, who retired from sport leading half of all laps he drove. For those who want to revisit it, the first segment of the race is on youtube. Slight warning, you'll flinch when you see how close Liuzzi gets to hitting the tractor.

 

 

This is disgustingly nostalgic....

Edited by ARTGP, 05 October 2020 - 21:12.

[JG]

Ok, so why is it called ”Eifel GP” and not the German GP?

[PayasYouRace]

Ok, so why is it called ”Eifel GP” and not the German GP?

 

Something to do with Hockenheim's promoters having the rights to the German GP. Bit like why it was the European GP in 2007.

[JimmyClark]

The question should be "why is it the Eifel GP and not the European GP?"

It would have been nice for the nostalgia (though I still wish Silverstone 2 was called the European GP )

[ARTGP]

The question should be "why is it the Eifel GP and not the European GP?"

It would have been nice for the nostalgia (though I still wish Silverstone 2 was called the European GP )

 

There is nothing nostalgic about Kimi Raikkonen's front suspension flying off....

Edited by ARTGP, 05 October 2020 - 22:07.

[Myrvold]

but I don't expect to see many swastikas in Sky Sports F1 pre-race show.

 

It's 2020 though. Anything can happen!

[FLB]

The Nurburgring GPs held in the 1930s were called the Eifelrennen, so I guess that's the nostalgic element they were after - but I don't expect to see many swastikas in Sky Sports F1 pre-race show.

There have been many Eifelrennen:

 

https://en.wikipedia...iki/Eifelrennen

[Beri]

They shouldn't have named it after that tower in Paris.

They haven't. They differ one F. 😉

[taz]

The area where the Nurburgring is located, is called the Eifel. It's a low mountain range. Spa-Francorchamps is less then 100km away from the Nurburgring, it's actually also part of the Eifel region

[JimmyClark]

The area where the Nurburgring is located, is called the Eifel. It's a low mountain range. Spa-Francorchamps is less then 100km away from the Nurburgring, it's actually also part of the Eifel region

 

Isn't it the same range, but the German part is called the Eifel and the French speaking part is called the Ardennes locally? Certainly you wouldn't have any locals in Spa calling them the Eifel mountains. I might be wrong though? 

 

Speaking of geograghy, the weather forecast is getting interesting: https://www.myweathe...y-Forecast.aspx

 

Saturday currently looking wet, Sunday dry and cold - a high of 7c! 

Edited by JimmyClark, 06 October 2020 - 09:35.

[PayasYouRace]

It occurs to me that the OP could have included another important and exciting moment that seems to be forgotten a lot. Jacques Villeneuve's first win, under intense pressure from Michael Schumacher.

 

There was also a pretty good battle for third between Coulthard, Hill (who'd had a troubled race) and Barrichello.

 

[balage06]

Finally, we reached the three venues I'm most looking forward to!   The Nürburgring is one of my favorite GP circuits, it rarely disappoints and I've always wanted a Portugese GP at Portimao, I hope it will work with these cars. Not sure about Imola in terms of racing spectacle, but it's still nice to see a legendary place back in the calendar.

[dissident]

I had genuinely forgotten that awesome 2011 battle. 

[ARTGP]

Isn't it the same range, but the German part is called the Eifel and the French speaking part is called the Ardennes locally? Certainly you wouldn't have any locals in Spa calling them the Eifel mountains. I might be wrong though? 

 

Speaking of geograghy, the weather forecast is getting interesting: https://www.myweathe...y-Forecast.aspx

 

Saturday currently looking wet, Sunday dry and cold - a high of 7c! 

 

Low grip conditions? So...The Max and Lewis show?

Edited by ARTGP, 06 October 2020 - 12:07.