Karussell

What is the Karussell?

The Karussell – officially the Caracciola-Karussell – is one of the most famous corners in motorsport. This 180-degree banked corner on the Nordschleife is a concrete bowl with extreme camber: the car effectively runs on its side and the banking presses you down into the seat. It is named after Rudolf Caracciola, the first driver to take it at real speed in the 1930s.

Technique through the Karussell

Driving the Karussell is unlike anything else. You drop into the bowl, the car leans hard over, and gravity pushes you down into the seat. The right line runs deep into the concrete channel – the lower you drop in, the more grip the banking gives you. Riding too high costs both time and stability. At the exit you lift the car back out of the bowl and accelerate away. The vibration from the rough concrete slabs is part of the experience.

Myth and meaning

For many Nordschleife fans the Karussell is the emotional high point of a lap. The combination of extreme banking, concrete texture and the feeling of driving against physics is unique. It is also a test for the car: the suspension takes a severe beating, and some historic race cars avoid the bowl altogether because of the impacts.

Experience the Karussell with ESC

The Karussell belongs to the complete Nordschleife experience. At ESC events your instructor shows you the right line through this icon – and in a fully insured Porsche you can enjoy it without worrying about the car. Experience the legend yourself.