DEKRA Lausitzring Sprint

The DEKRA Lausitzring Sprint Circuit is a compact road course configuration within the larger Lausitzring motorsport complex near Klettwitz in Brandenburg, Germany. This infield layout measures 3.478 kilometers (2.161 miles) and features 12 turns. The Sprint Circuit was created specifically for German Touring Car Championship (DTM) racing and other close-competition series. The track opened in 2000 as EuroSpeedway Lausitz on a former coal mine site. DEKRA, a German automotive testing company, purchased the facility in 2017.

Technical Layout and Design

The Sprint Circuit uses primarily infield sections of the larger Lausitzring complex. Designers built this configuration to compress racing action and create more overtaking opportunities. The layout received significant modifications in 2005 when engineers added a new link road to create the short course. Track officials made further changes in 2007, re-profiling Turn 1 into a tighter hairpin bend. This modification improved overtaking potential at the circuit's primary passing zone.

The 3.478 km Sprint Circuit differs from other Lausitzring configurations. The standard Grand Prix circuit extends 4.345 km with 14 turns. A Grand Prix circuit variant incorporating the banked Turn 1 measures 4.601 km with 10 turns. The Sprint Circuit provides a more condensed racing experience than these longer layouts. Patrick d'Aubreby holds the Sprint Circuit race lap record with a time of 1:13.100, set in an F1 car during 2005.

Racing History

The Lausitzring opened officially on August 20, 2000. The German IDM Superbike Championship held the first competitive event one week later. DTM followed shortly after and became a regular visitor to the circuit. DTM has used the Lausitzring since 2000, with the Sprint Circuit becoming the preferred layout from 2005 forward. The series competed on the Sprint Circuit during the 2020 season and plans to return in 2025.

DTM introduced a different configuration in 2021, incorporating portions of the banked oval. This hybrid layout measured 4.534 km and aimed to promote different racing dynamics. This confirms that the 3.478 km Sprint Circuit is the pure infield version used before 2021.

Multiple championships have competed at the Lausitzring on various road course configurations. These series include ADAC GT Masters, A1 Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship (World SBK), FIA GT Championship, and several Formula series.

Circuit Complex Features

The complete DEKRA Lausitzring facility extends beyond the Sprint Circuit. The complex includes a 3.256 km (2.023 miles) tri-oval with banking up to 5.7 degrees, unique in continental Europe. This oval hosted CART Championship races in 2001 and 2003. The facility accommodates 120,000 spectators around the tri-oval. The main grandstand seats 25,000 people and offers views of nearly the entire circuit.

DEKRA converted the Lausitzring into Europe's largest automotive testing facility after acquiring it in 2017. The complex now includes a separate 5.8 km test oval, off-road areas, city courses for urban traffic simulations, ABS tracks, and handling circuits. The facility specializes in testing connected and automated driving technologies while maintaining its motorsport calendar.

The Lausitzring replaced Berlin's AVUS street circuit, which faced traffic and safety issues after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Construction cost approximately 158 million euros. The circuit sits in eastern Germany with easy access from Berlin and Dresden via the A13 autobahn. The surrounding area has developed into the Lausitzer Seenland, Europe's largest artificial waterscape.