How to Watch the Nurburgring 24 Hours

The Nurburgring 24 hours is one of the world's most thrilling endurance races. Unpredictable conditions, a spectacular layout and the duration of 24 hours make it a savage test for drivers, teams and cars.

Months of preparation can go to pot at a moment's notice - a driver can take out your favourite, an overtake can be missed or freak weather can cause the race to be red flagged.

How to get there

Thousands of people flock to the Eifel forest each year to witness one of endurance racing's most epic events: the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. The infamous 'Green Hell' has long been known as one of the most exciting and challenging races in all of motorsport, as drivers put their vehicles through the ultimate torture test for over 24 hours.

But for those who can't get tickets to the race, there's still plenty of ways to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the action from a safe distance. For those with limited budgets, camping at the Nurburgring can be a great way to get involved in the action without spending a fortune.

The 'Ring is massive - it's a very popular place for tourists and racing fans to go, so you'll want to get there early to find a decent spot to watch the action. But don't forget to take the time to explore and enjoy everything that the track has to offer, as it's an incredibly evocative place that will leave you in awe of its sheer scale.

There are two circuits at the 'Ring, which are the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit. These are both located within a short distance of each other and can be enjoyed together if you prefer to experience the whole thing in one day.

It takes about 10 minutes to complete each lap of the Nordschleife and around 15 minutes for the Grand Prix circuit. If you're a real car enthusiast, it's worth visiting both if you have the time and budget to do so.

For many, the Nurburgring is the epitome of all things car-related - and it's no wonder why. The track scythes maniacally through the forest, taking cars up and down hills and across blind crests that send them airborne.

But it's not just about racing - it's also a proving ground for the German motor industry, and a place where new cars are tested before they are released onto the market. You can even test drive the latest models here - it's a great place to see how a high-performance vehicle performs in the wild.

Track layout

The Nurburgring is a world famous race track and has been host to many top motorsport events. It is the home of the 24 Hours of Nurburgring and has been a staple of the racing calendar since it first started in 1970.

The infamous "Green Hell" circuit is a legendary challenge to drivers and car owners alike and any event at the Nordschleife is sure to deliver a thrill ride of epic proportions. The race is one of the four greatest 24-hour races in the world, alongside Le Mans and Daytona.

There are two different tracks at the Nurburgring, each with its own distinct character and layout. The most famous is the Nordschleife and is used for a variety of different racing series including the Formula 1 and DTM, but you can also see cars taking part in a few 'Touristfahrten' sessions at the Nurburgring GP track.

Once you've got to the Nordschleife, it is a very fast circuit with big straights and a number of large undulation changes. It also has a number of very long corners that can take up to 10 minutes a lap to negotiate.

If you're looking to get a better understanding of the track, there are plenty of resources online. Whether you want to find out what all the corners are called or just watch some simulation videos, there's a wealth of info out there to help you.

Another great resource is this video by Mansell - it's nearly three hours long and breaks down the whole track into sections, covering the various regions of the Nordschleife in detail. It is a great place to start learning the circuit and should give you an understanding of what's in store for you at the mighty 'Green Hell'!

This is a fantastic track for learning and mastering your driving skills, but it's important to remember that it is a complex course. As with all racing courses, it's best to practice in advance and be prepared to make mistakes.

The track is also notorious for its weather, and it can be bone dry in places and sopping wet in others. It can be a real nightmare to navigate during the event, so it's always worth checking what the forecast is before you head there!

Parking options

If you’re planning on watching the grand prix at the Nurburgring, you’ll want to get to the track well in advance. You’ll also want to be sure you have a decent hotel booked before you go so you can enjoy your day in style.

There are many ways to watch the grand prix at the Nurburgring, but you’ll need to know what you’re doing if you want to make the most of your time. In particular, you’ll need to plan for a tour of the GP track and the surrounding area, so you can get an idea of what to expect from your laps around the circuit.

For the best views of the GP track, you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium. The best view is to be found from a spot in the middle of the track, where you can get a bird’s eye view of all the action.

A more budget friendly option is to park your car in the official tourist hats off carpark, which is split into two parts – 1a and 1b, as seen on the map below. It’s also worth noting that this car park is often full of taxis, which can mean it has a limited number of parking spaces available to the public.

The biggest drawback is that it’s also the smallest - there are no elevators or lifts, and the only way to get there is by walking, which takes about 20 minutes in total. The one plus is that it’s located right next to the GP track, making for some great pictures of your car in all its glory. The other perks include a free guided tour of the GP track, a visit to the Ring Werk museum and some time off the clock for a drink and a bite to eat at the famous Ring HQ restaurant.

Getting around

There's so much to do at the Nurburgring - you can take your time and explore the track, watch races live, visit museums, grab a bite to eat. But if you're not prepared, you can be overwhelmed and miss out on the full experience.

The circuit is around 21km long (13 miles), and the lap times aren't bad for a standard GT2 or GT3 car. But it's also a big track, so you're going to be doing a lot of walking. It's a good idea to bring walking boots and some warm clothes.

Unless you're very fit, don't try to drive your way round the track. It's not only an incredible challenge but also pretty dangerous, as you'll be on a high speed, uneven surface.

If you're not used to this sort of thing, it's a good idea to get some training before you arrive. Alternatively, you can hire a bike or moped for the day to help you navigate your way around the track.

You'll want to keep in mind the weather - this place can be very wet, so don't expect dry weather on race day. There are also some days in the main season where it's a bit hot, and you'll want to dress for that.

As a rule of thumb, the best way to avoid getting too wet is to plan for multiple days in a row, so you'll be less likely to be caught out by rainy days. It's also a good idea to book in advance for camping tickets, as it's a really popular event and the organisers will do everything they can to keep things running smoothly.

Another big tip is to buy a general admission ticket and not just the camping ticket, as this will mean you can go anywhere on the track where there's open space. That's a good way to ensure you don't miss out on the main spectating areas, such as Hatzenbach and Adenauer Forst.

One of the most iconic races in the world, the Nurburgring 24 hours is a great way to see a classic endurance race at its finest. It's a harrowing, adrenaline-fuelled experience that is as exciting for spectators as it is for drivers. It's also an excellent opportunity to see some of the world's fastest cars compete at the famous 'Green Hell', and it's worth coming for more than one day in order to fully enjoy it.