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| Lausitzring | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lausitzring |
| Caption | Aerial view of the circuit site |
| Location | Klettwitz, Brandenburg, Germany |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Architect | Hermann Tilke |
| Length km | 5.445 |
| Length mi | 3.382 |
| Turns | 14 |
| Record time | 0:57.320 |
| Record driver | Juan Pablo Montoya |
| Record team | Williams-BMW |
| Record year | 2004 |
Lausitzring is a motorsport complex in Klettwitz, Brandenburg, Germany, constructed around the turn of the 21st century and noted for its high-speed oval, road course, and extensive testing facilities. The venue has hosted national and international competitions, manufacturer test programs, and automotive events, attracting teams from Formula One, DTM, NASCAR (European efforts), and motorcycle championships. Its combination of configurations and proximity to industrial centers made it a focal point for Motorsport GmbH-era investments, regional development programs, and broadcast partnerships with networks covering FIA events.
The project originated amid regional redevelopment initiatives supported by the Landtag of Brandenburg and private investors, inspired by projects such as Hockenheimring redevelopment and circuit construction by designers like Hermann Tilke. Groundbreaking followed feasibility studies involving automotive manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche, and construction drew contractors linked to HOCHTIEF and German civil engineering firms. Early promoters sought to attract Formula One testing alongside established series such as Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and DTM feeder categories, leveraging Germany’s motorsport heritage epitomized by venues like Nürburgring and Hockenheimring. Financial strains and ownership changes led to restructuring involving entities associated with ADAC and regional development agencies. Throughout the 2000s, the facility adapted to shifting calendars after negotiations with promoters of FIA GT Championship, FIM series, and touring car promoters, while also integrating with corporate testing demands from Opel, Volkswagen, and Suzuki.
The complex comprises a 3.428 km road course, a 4.2 km oval originally built to American oval geometry, and multiple paddock areas designed for simultaneous events used by teams from Formula 3, FIA GT, ADAC GT Masters, DTM, and motorcycle series such as MotoGP support classes. Facilities include pit garages compatible with FIA Grade 2 requirements, media centers used by broadcasters like RTL and Sky Deutschland, technical inspection bays favored by manufacturers including BMW M, Porsche Motorsport, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi Sport. On-site infrastructure supports logistics from freight operators such as DHL and DB Schenker, hospitality suites used by automakers and sponsors like Red Bull and Castrol, and corporate driving centers operated by firms such as Continental AG and Bridgestone. The layout allows linking to test circuits simulating homologation tasks used by Bosch for electronic control systems and by ZF Friedrichshafen for chassis development.
The venue has hosted rounds of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, ADAC GT Masters, FIA GT Championship, national DTM Trophy events, and endurance races promoted alongside series like the 24H Series and VLN-style competitions. Motorcycle events have included national superbike rounds and IDM meetings involving teams from Yamaha Motor Racing, Honda Racing Corporation, and Kawasaki Racing Team. Car manufacturer events, including launch programs for BMW M3, Audi RS models, and endurance testing by Porsche, made the site integral to product cycles. The oval attracted demonstrations linked to NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and guest appearances by drivers from IndyCar and NASCAR Cup Series for exhibition runs. Driver development schools operated by organizations such as FIA Academy and private outfits like VLN Academy used the circuit for instruction.
Lap and speed benchmarks include test runs by Juan Pablo Montoya in a Williams-BMW during Formula One testing, setting the circuit’s fastest recorded lap time. High-profile events featured drivers from Mercedes-AMG Petronas junior programs, GT successes from AF Corse and ROWEMA Racing, and memorable endurance battles involving teams like Manthey Racing. Notable moments include record-setting top speeds during manufacturer testing by Audi Sport Team Joest prototypes, spectacular GT finishes with entries from Triple Eight Racing and Schnitzer Motorsport, and televised highlights used by broadcasters Eurosport and Sky Sports in features commemorating German motorsport venues. Occasional celebrity appearances by drivers such as Sébastien Buemi, Tom Kristensen, and Ralf Schumacher amplified media coverage.
Safety enhancements followed incidents prompting upgrades to barrier systems by suppliers like TecPro and SAFER Barrier consultants, track resurfacing contracted to firms with histories at Nürburgring and Hockenheimring, and paddock reconfigurations to meet FIA homologation updates. Controversies centered on noise complaints lodged by regional groups represented in proceedings at the Landkreis Oberspreewald-Lausitz administrative offices, funding disputes involving investors comparable to those in projects like EuroSpeedway Lausitz redevelopment debates, and calendar withdrawals by series such as DTM citing logistics and spectator figures. Environmental assessments commissioned with input from consultants linked to Bundesamt für Naturschutz addressed groundwater and habitat concerns near former lignite mining areas historically managed by companies like LEAG.
Located in Lusatia near transport corridors including the A13 Autobahn and rail links connecting to Cottbus and Dresden, the venue benefits from proximity to logistics hubs serving manufacturers such as Volkswagen plants and supplier networks around Saxony. Regional economic analyses published by agencies similar to Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg highlighted impacts on tourism, hotel occupancy in towns linked to Spreewald, and business for catering firms like Aramark during events. The site’s role in vocational training partnerships with institutions like Technische Universität Dresden and workforce programs coordinated with IHK chambers underlined its contribution to local skills development. Access improvements over time included upgraded parking and shuttle services connecting to airports such as Berlin Brandenburg Airport and rail connections used by fans traveling from cities including Berlin, Leipzig, and Prague.
Category:Motorsport venues in Germany