Hockenheimring (Original Layout)
The original Hockenheim — three flat-out forest blasts linked by chicanes and a tight stadium section. A power circuit unlike anything else on the calendar.
Circuit at a glance
- Years active
- 1977–2001
- F1 races
- 25
- Length
- 6.823 km
- Turns
- 11
History and character
After the Nordschleife was abandoned in 1976, the German Grand Prix moved permanently to Hockenheim. Its original layout sent cars rocketing through dense forest on long straights at over 350 km/h, broken only by three chicanes, before plunging back into the packed Motodrom stadium section for the final corners. It rewarded engine power and bravery in equal measure.
Why it left the calendar
Safety upgrades demanded ever-larger run-off areas that were impossible to carve out of the surrounding forest, and the circuit was drastically shortened in 2002 to a stubbier 4.5 km layout that few have warmed to. The original 'forest' layout, including the long straights and the legendary Ostkurve, no longer exists.
Iconic moment
Rubens Barrichello's emotional first F1 win from 18th on the grid in 2000, in a chaotic rain-hit race weeks after the death of his mentor.
Notable Grand Prix winners
- Niki Lauda
- Alain Prost
- Ayrton Senna
- Michael Schumacher