BMW Formula One Car Makes History Around Nüburgring

Motoring Channel Staff - 1/May/2007

Nürburgring, Germany —  For the first time in more than 30 years, a modern Formula One race car has screamed around one of the world's most famous - and longest - race tracks, the Nüburgring’s legendary Nordschleife track.

BMW Sauber F1 driver, Nick Heidfeld, added a new chapter to the motorsport history books on the weekend by becoming the first driver to pilot a Formula One car around the 'Ring' in over three decades.

Heidfeld managed to get the car up a top speed of 275km/h on the long straight called the ‘Döttinger Höhe’ and clocked a fastest lap time of 8:34 minutes, in front of a 45,000-strong crowd in Germany. The mid 8 minute lap time wasn't perfect because driver Heidfeld had to slow down on some sections for photo calls.

"The drive was simply incredible...it was even better than I had expected," said Heidfeld.

The F1.06 race car was adjusted for maximum ground clearance to drive on the uneven circuit - rising four centimetres at the front axle, and eight centimetres at the rear axle. No other modifications were carried out on the vehicle.

Heidfeld’s journey into the history books was the highlight of a full day in the Eifel Mountains, which displayed the full force of BMW's Motorsport racing arsenal.

"The day was a homage to the fans and to this unique circuit in the world of racing. For once, the lap times were a secondary consideration," said BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen.

In addition to the BMW Sauber F1 Team with Heidfeld and test driver Sebastian Vettel and the BMW M3 GTR, the BMW works drivers from the World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) added to the action. 

Two-time world champion Andy Priaulx (GBR) and Jörg Müller (DEU) also played ‘taxi drivers’ on the Nordschleife, as did Augusto Farfus (BRA).

The Nürburgring is an important test track for the world's sports cars, and is like a second home to BMW Motorsport. It’s the site of numerous successes, including 18 overall victories at 24 hour races and a one-two Formula One win. BMW Motorsport is also the partner for the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring, with one of the races being held on the same day as the Formula One display. 

BMW Driver Training, BMW Ring Taxis, the BMW Performance Centre and a permanent racing-car exhibition in the Erlebniswelt leisure park are fixed institutions at the Eifel circuit. 

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