No. The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the most famous circuit in the world, and one of the hardest places to learn to drive on track. Learn on a Grand Prix circuit first, then go.
In short: The Nordschleife is 20.8 km long with more than 70 corners, almost no run-off, and public traffic on tourist days. A Grand Prix circuit is about 4 to 6 km, with wide run-off and marshals at every post. You learn far faster on a short lap you can repeat. Do the Nordschleife later, when you can enjoy it.
Key facts
- The Nürburgring Nordschleife is about 20.8 km long, with more than 70 corners.
- A Grand Prix circuit such as the Red Bull Ring is 4.326 km, with ten corners.
- In an hour at the Red Bull Ring you repeat each corner dozens of times. In an hour at the Nordschleife you see each corner a handful of times.
- On Nordschleife tourist days, cars, motorcycles and other vehicles share the track under road rules.
- Stratos privately hires Grand Prix circuits for 15 drivers max, with a coach in every car.
The two side by side
| Nürburgring Nordschleife | Grand Prix circuit (Stratos) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 20.8 km | About 4 to 6 km |
| Corners | More than 70 | 10 at the Red Bull Ring |
| Run-off | Very little; barriers are close | Wide, built to the highest FIA grade |
| Traffic | Public on tourist days: mixed cars and bikes | 15 drivers max, circuit privately hired |
| Repetition | Each corner a few times a day | Each corner dozens of times a day |
| Coaching | Optional, booked separately | Private coaching, included |
| If you make a mistake | Often the barrier, and a bill for it | Usually the run-off |
| Car | Your own or a rental | Supplied: Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini |
Why repetition is everything
You learn a corner by driving it, getting feedback, and driving it again. On a 4 km circuit you get that loop every two minutes. On the Nordschleife you wait about ten minutes to see the same corner again, and by then you have driven seventy others.
That is why people who start on the Nordschleife often learn the track without learning to drive. They memorize it before they can brake, turn and use the power properly.
The risks people underestimate
- Barriers are close. There is little room for a mistake.
- Traffic is mixed. On tourist days, faster and slower vehicles share the track.
- You pay for what you break. Drivers are typically liable for barrier repairs and recovery, as well as their own car.
- Rental cars carry a large excess.
- Weather changes from one part of the lap to another.
When to go
The Nordschleife is a wonderful thing to do once you can:
- Brake hard and in a straight line, every time.
- Hold a line through a fast corner.
- Catch a small slide without thinking.
- Keep your eyes far ahead.
Two days on a Grand Prix circuit with a coach will give you most of that.
A better first step
A Stratos event is built for the first step. The entire Grand Prix circuit is privately hired for 15 drivers. You drive available cars, which may include a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a Ferrari F8 Tributo or a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, with a professional race driver beside you and full use of the car across two full days. Then the Nordschleife will mean more.
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FAQ
Is the Nürburgring good for beginners?
No. It is long, fast and has very little run-off. Learn on a Grand Prix circuit first.
How long is the Nürburgring Nordschleife?
About 20.8 km, with more than 70 corners.
Can anyone drive the Nürburgring?
On tourist days, yes, with a road-legal vehicle and a license. That is part of what makes it demanding.
What happens if you crash at the Nürburgring?
You are typically liable for your car, barrier repairs and recovery costs.
What is the best circuit to learn on before the Nürburgring?
A short Grand Prix circuit with wide run-off, such as the Red Bull Ring.
Does Stratos run events at the Nürburgring?
No. Stratos can reserve any Grand Prix circuit in Europe, subject to availability.
How many laps does it take to learn the Nordschleife?
Most drivers need dozens of laps to know it and far more to drive it well. A Grand Prix circuit can be learned in a morning.
About Stratos
Stratos runs exclusive driving experiences at Europe's greatest Grand Prix circuits, for founders and leaders. Each event privately hires the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, with a supercar fleet, private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights of luxury accommodation and 2 full track days. Stratos is invitation-only.