Eurospeedway Lausitzring

The EuroSpeedway Lausitzring stands as one of Germany's premier motorsport venues, combining European racing traditions with American-style oval racing. Located in Klettwitz, Brandenburg, approximately 115 kilometers southeast of Berlin, this versatile circuit has hosted numerous international racing events since its opening in 2000. Built on the site of a former brown coal mine, the facility represents a significant achievement in land reclamation and infrastructure development in the reunified Germany.

Historical Development

Plans for the Lausitzring emerged in 1986 during East Germany's era, partly intended to replace the aging and dangerous AVUS track near Berlin. Construction began on June 17, 1998, with an investment of 158 million euros. The circuit officially opened on August 20, 2000, attracting 110,000 spectators for its inaugural events featuring the German Motorcycle Championship and DTM series. Between 2000 and 2010, the facility operated under the name "EuroSpeedway Lausitz" to enhance international recognition before reverting to "Lausitzring." The track faced early challenges, including tragic accidents involving Michele Alboreto during testing in 2001 and Alessandro Zanardi's crash during a CART race the same year. Financial difficulties led to bankruptcy in 2002, though a rescue plan enabled continued operation. In 2017, DEKRA Automobil GmbH purchased the circuit, transforming it into a major automotive testing facility while maintaining its racing heritage.

Track Configuration

The EuroSpeedway Lausitzring offers multiple track configurations, making it exceptionally versatile for different racing disciplines: - The Tri-Oval Superspeedway spans 3.256 kilometers (2.023 miles) with three turns and banking up to 5.7 degrees, making it mainland Europe's only NASCAR-style oval - The Grand Prix Circuit extends 4.534 kilometers (2.82 miles) with 14 technical turns - Additional layouts include the Grand Prix Circuit with Oval Turn 1, the DTM Sprint Circuit, and the Motorcycle Circuit These sections can combine to create an 11-kilometer endurance layout primarily used for testing purposes. The facility features modern infrastructure with capacity for 120,000 spectators and over 40,000 parking spaces, accessible via the nearby A13 autobahn.

Racing Heritage

Throughout its history, the circuit has hosted prestigious events including: - DTM (German Touring Car Championship), held annually since 2000 - Champ Car German 500 in 2001 and 2003 - Superbike World Championship - ADAC GT Masters - European Truck Racing Championship - A1GP World Cup of Motorsport - Red Bull Air Race World Championship The track earned FIA Grade 2 certification for two of its layouts, confirming its international standards for motorsport competition.

Current Operation

Since DEKRA's acquisition in 2017, the EuroSpeedway Lausitzring has evolved into a dual-purpose facility. It continues to host major racing events like DTM while serving as Europe's largest automotive testing center. DEKRA has invested significantly in developing infrastructure for autonomous vehicle testing and other automotive safety research. This balance of racing tradition and technological innovation ensures the Lausitzring remains a vital part of Germany's motorsport landscape while adapting to the changing automotive industry.