Round nine of the 2009 Formula One calendar takes place at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. The circuit, which was originally known as the Nordschleife, is located in the Eifel region of Germany and is 60 kilometres north-west of Koblenz and 90 kilometres south-west of Cologne. Alternating with the Hockenheim circuit, the last event at the Nürburgring track took place in 2007.
The modern Nürburgring circuit has a mix of high and low-speed corners with heavy braking areas. The characteristics of the Nürburgring track mean the cars have a tendency to understeer. Drivers will be challenged to achieve the correct aero balance and the circuit’s slow and medium speed corners will require strong measures of downforce. The track offers good levels of grip which will allow teams to run soft tyre compounds.The track features a fast section where drivers can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and two short straights. About 60 percent of the track is run under full throttle and it is especially demanding for the aerodynamic efficiency of the car, as well as the engine.
NÜRBURGRING – CIRCUIT GRAPHICS
The interactive version of the above circuit graphic is available on the FIA website (click here).
CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2007
• There are no significant changes to the circuit since 2007.
NÜRBURGRING CIRCUIT – INTERESTING FACTS
• Over 340 highly trained volunteer track side marshals will be on duty at the circuit. 19 scrutineers and 39 medical staff will also participate in the event.
• The circuit’s fastest corners are turn 5 at 190 km/h, turn 8 with 240 km/h and turn 9 with 250 km/h.
• The circuit’s new grandstand will provide space for 5,000 additional spectators. The Nüburgring circuit also features a new state of the art event centre, a theme park and a covered all-weather boulevard which is home to a TV and radio studio and the largest interactive video wall in the world totalling 48 metres in length.
• The Ring Arena, a new air-conditioned facility that can seat upwards of 3,000 people, will feature a world championship boxing match on the Saturday of the Grand Prix weekend.
Circuit data
|
Length of lap:
Offset:
Total number of race laps:
Total race distance:
Speed limits in the pit lane: |
5.148km
0.017km
60
308.863km
60km/h during practice sessions; 100km/h during race |
Formula One time table and media opportunities organised by the FIA
|
Wednesday
Press Conference
Thursday
Practice Session 1
Practice Session 2
Press Conference
Saturday
Practice Session 3
Qualifying
Followed by unilateral and press conference
Sunday
Drivers Parade
Race
Followed by unilateral and press conference |
15.00 – 16.00 hrs
10.00 – 11.30 hrs
14.00 – 15.30 hrs
16.00 – 17.00 hrs
11.00 – 12.00 hrs
14.00 – 15.00 hrs
12.30 – 12.45 hrs
14.00 hrs
|
Additional media opportunities
• Autograph signing: All drivers will sign autographs on Saturday afternoon close to the vending area of the circuit.
• Qualifying: All drivers eliminated in Q1 or Q2 will be available for media interviews immediately after the end of each session as well as drivers who participated in Q3, and who are not required to take part in the post-qualifying press conference. Where? At the back of the FIA garage, paddock side.
• Race: Any driver retiring before the end of the race will be available for media interviews after his return to the paddock. In addition, all drivers who finish the race outside the top three will be available immediately after the end of the race for media interviews. Where? At each team’s individual garage / hospitality or at the back of the FIA garage, paddock side.
• During the race every team will make at least one senior spokesperson available for interviews by officially accredited TV crews. A list will be made available in the media centre.