Trackday Hockenheimring: Experience the Former F1 Circuit
Where Schumacher, Senna, and Räikkönen battled for victories, you can now push to the limit yourself. The Hockenheimring is more than a race track – it's a piece of motorsport history. And the best part: You don't need a license to drive here.
If you're planning a trackday in Germany, the Hockenheimring belongs on your list. The former Formula 1 circuit offers the perfect mix of high-speed passages and technical challenges – with the highest safety standards including FIA Grade 1 certification and large runoff areas.
In this guide, you'll learn everything about the Hockenheimring: The legendary corners, what to expect at one of our trackdays, practical info about getting there, and how you can access this traditional race track with the European Speed Club – with or without your own car.
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Track Overview
The Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg is located south of Mannheim in the Kurpfalz city of Hockenheim. Since its opening on May 29, 1932, the track has undergone a remarkable transformation – from the 12-kilometer triangular course through the Hardtwald forest to today's modern 4.574 km Grand Prix circuit.
Hockenheimring Track Data:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Track Length | 4.574 km |
| Track Width | 12–18 Meters |
| Corners | 17 (6 Left, 11 Right) |
| FIA Certification | Grade 1 (Formula 1-capable) |
| Noise Limit | 98 dB(A) |
| Opening | May 29, 1932 |
Today's Grand Prix circuit was completely rebuilt in 2002. The original high-speed track with its long forest straights was drastically shortened. Instead, a technically demanding course emerged with the characteristic Motodrom – a stadium-like section with tight corners and views of the grandstands.
The Legendary Corners
The Hockenheimring combines extreme high-speed passages with technical corner combinations. That's what makes it so fascinating – and so demanding.
The Spitzkehre – Overtaking Paradise
After the long Parabolika, you reach speeds of up to 330 km/h. Then comes the hardest braking point on the track: The Spitzkehre. A 170-degree right-hander that you take at under 80 km/h. The speed reduction is extreme – and this is exactly where the most spectacular overtaking maneuvers happen.
The approach to the Spitzkehre is pure adrenaline. You brake from full throttle into one of the slowest corners on the course. It demands everything: precise braking, perfect downshifting, and the courage to brake later than instinct allows. A real challenge for beginners – for advanced drivers, the highlight of the trackday.
The Sachskurve – Pure Technique
The Sachskurve is a 180-degree left-hander that has always been considered technically demanding. A lot of time can be gained or lost here. The special feature: The banked corner can be taken faster on the outside than via the classic racing line. This requires trust in the car – and in the coaching.
At an ESC trackday, you learn from experienced instructors how to optimally approach the Sachskurve. Because here it becomes clear who truly understands their car.
The Motodrom – Stadium Atmosphere
The entry into the Motodrom is the most difficult passage of the course. You arrive at around 250 km/h – but at the exit, there's no asphalted runoff area. Those who carry too much speed risk going off and increasing accident danger.
The Motodrom itself offers something unique: stadium atmosphere on the race track. The grandstands around you, the feeling of driving where Formula 1 once raced. An experience that other tracks can't offer in this way.
Additional Key Corners
| Corner | Characteristics | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Parabolika | Long full-throttle passage | Courage for late braking |
| Südkurve | Fast right-hander | Turn in early |
| Ravenol Corner | Technical combination | Patience on acceleration out |
| Bernie Ecclestone Corner | Named after the F1 boss | Special car setup required |
History – From Test Track to F1 Legend
The history of the Hockenheimring begins in 1932. Within just three months, the approximately 12 km triangular course was laid out on unpaved forest paths in the Hardtwald. Originally built as a test track for Mercedes-Benz, the first motorcycle race took place in the same year.
The Transformations
- 1938: Shortened to 7.7 km
- 1966: Reopening after highway construction (A6 cut through the track), new Motodrom
- 2002: Drastic redesign to today's Grand Prix circuit (4.574 km)
The 2002 rebuild was controversial. The long forest straights, where speeds of around 350 km/h were reached, gave way to a more technical layout. For trackdays, this is a blessing: More corners mean more learning opportunities – and modern safety standards make the track more accessible.
Legends at the Hockenheimring
Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher – they all celebrated Grand Prix victories here. Kimi Räikkönen holds the official track record from 2004 with 1:13.780, modern GT3 race cars run around 1:37, and if you drive your street-legal car under 2:00, you're already quite fast. The DTM also regularly visits the Hockenheimring – pure motorsport atmosphere guaranteed.
What to Expect at a Trackday
A trackday at the Hockenheimring is more than just free driving. Professional organizers like the European Speed Club offer a structured program that challenges and develops both beginners and experienced drivers.
Daily Schedule
The day begins with a comprehensive briefing. You learn about the track layout, flag signals, and rules of conduct. Then it's onto the track in groups – divided by experience level.
With most organizers, two groups alternate, typically in 45-minute intervals. This gives you time to process what you've experienced, talk to instructors, and check your vehicle.
Requirements
- Driver's License: A valid car driver's license is mandatory
- Helmet: Mandatory with most organizers, available for free loan on-site with us
- Vehicle: Depending on the organizer: own car (with appropriate insurance), rental vehicle, or even race car
- Noise Limit: Maximum 98 dB(A) – check your vehicle beforehand
Suitable For Whom?
The Hockenheimring is suitable for drivers of all experience levels. The wide runoff areas and modern safety facilities make mistakes forgivable. The technical corners offer enough learning potential for beginners. And the high-speed passages challenge even experienced trackday drivers.
If you've never been on a race track, we recommend first gaining experience at Boxberg. The test track is ideal for entry.
Trackday at the Hockenheimring – Your Options
Several organizers offer trackdays at the Hockenheimring. The differences lie in price, participant numbers, and service level.
Budget Option (from approx. €640–700)
With budget providers, you bring your own car. Coaching is not included or only available for an additional fee. Participant numbers are often high – sometimes 100+ vehicles on track with little driving time due to many red flags. This can be stressful, especially for less experienced drivers, and increases accident risk.
Advantage: Cheaper entry if you already have experience and own a track car.
Disadvantage: No coaching, high risk with your own vehicle (note insurance!), often chaotic atmosphere.
Premium Full-Service (from €895)
At ESC trackdays, you get an all-inclusive package. Small groups with 20-40 participants instead of 150. Professional coaching from instructors with motorsport backgrounds. And the option to drive with a CarForGo vehicle – insurance and all-inclusive package included.
Advantage: coaching included, small groups, rental vehicle option, no hidden costs.
Disadvantage: Higher price – but you get significantly more for your money.
→ ESC Trackday Dates at the Hockenheimring
Trackday Without Your Own Car
You don't own a sports car? Or don't want to subject your daily driver to the stress of a trackday? Understandable. The strain on brakes, tires, and clutch on a race track is significantly higher than in everyday use.
The solution: CarForGo. At ESC, you have access to around 60 Porsche models. The range extends from the Spyder RS to various 992.1 and 992.2 models to the GT3 RS. The right vehicle for every experience level.
All cars are professionally prepared by our in-house workshop Paddock 7. You get into a vehicle that's ready for the track. Insurance coverage is included in the price – with a defined deductible that you know in advance. No hidden costs, no nasty surprises. Only consumed fuel comes on top. (For the GT4 Clubsport products and at Boxberg for our CarForGo vehicles, this is included)
Practical Information
Directions
The Hockenheimring is conveniently located in Baden-Württemberg:
- From Frankfurt: approx. 80 km (45 min.) via A5/A6
- From Stuttgart: approx. 100 km (1 hr.) via A8/A6
- From Munich: approx. 320 km (3 hrs.) via A8/A6
- Address: Am Motodrom, 68766 Hockenheim
The Hockenheim highway exit leads directly to the race track – directions couldn't be simpler.
Accommodation
For a relaxed trackday, we recommend arriving the evening before. Hotels directly at the ring like the Motodrom Hotel Hockenheim are ideal. Alternatively, Heidelberg is only 20 minutes away and offers a beautiful old town.
At ESC events, participants often stay together – the exchange with like-minded people in the evening is part of the best experience for many. But ATTENTION: accommodation is already included with most ESC events.
Weather Tip
The Hockenheimring is located in one of the warmest regions of Germany. In summer, the asphalt can get extremely hot – which puts additional strain on tires and brakes. Spring (April/May) and autumn (September/October) often offer the best conditions.
Your Path to a Hockenheimring Trackday with ESC
Want to experience the fascination of the Hockenheimring yourself? At an ESC trackday, you get more than just track time:
- Professional Coaching – Instructors with real motorsport backgrounds
- Small Groups – 20-40 participants per group
- CarForGo Option – Over 60 Porsches, coaching included, only consumed fuel at your expense.
- Network – Exchange with like-minded people and motorsport enthusiasts
- No Hidden Costs – Everything included, no nasty surprises - only consumed fuel at your expense.
Check out the experiences of our participants or take a look at our image gallery for impressions from past experiences.
Secure one of the strictly limited spots
Discover the ESC trackday dates at the Hockenheimring and experience the former F1 circuit up close. For questions, our team is available anytime – contact us for personal consultation.
Book Trackday Now →
Sources & Further Information
- Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg – Official track information and track data
- ESC Trackday Dates – Current Hockenheimring events and prices
All prices without guarantee. As of: 2026. ESC prices apply according to current ESC terms and conditions. Prices for other organizers are based on publicly available information and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beide Strecken haben ihre Vorzüge: Der Hockenheimring punktet mit Übersichtlichkeit und großen Auslaufzonen.
Die Formel 1 verlangt von Rennstrecken Antrittsgebühren in Millionenhöhe – 2019 hätte Hockenheim etwa 20 Millionen Euro zahlen müssen. Ohne staatliche Unterstützung wurde das Rennen zum Minusgeschäft. Die Strecke selbst ist jedoch weiterhin erstklassig und bietet bei Trackdays die Möglichkeit
Bei Touristenfahrten gilt die StVO
Ja, aber es hängt von dem jeweiligen Event ab.
Seit 2024 hält die emodrom group holding GmbH.
Die schnellste Formel-1-Rundenzeit liegt bei 1:13, moderne GT3 Rennfahrzeuge fahren ca. 1:37 und wenn du mit deinem straßenzugelassen Fahrzeug unter 2:00 fährst bist du schon recht flott unterwegs.
Der Grand-Prix-Kurs des Hockenheimrings hat 17 Kurven auf 4
Ja
F1-CEO Stefano Domenicali hat eine Rückkehr nicht ausgeschlossen. Mit den neuen Investitionen der emodrom group und Modernisierungen könnte Hockenheim wieder attraktiver werden. Unabhängig davon kannst du schon heute auf dieser legendären F1-Strecke bei Trackdays fahren.
In Deutschland bieten mehrere Rennstrecken Fahrerlebnisse an: Der Hockenheimring
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