Motorsport Arena Oschersleben

The Motorsport Arena Oschersleben is a premier racing facility located in Börde, Germany, approximately 30 kilometers from Magdeburg. The circuit opened on July 25, 1997, under the name Motopark Oschersleben. It became Germany's fourth permanent racecourse and the first major racing venue in former East Germany. The facility cost €58 million to construct and transformed a former maize field into a world-class motorsport venue. Since its opening, the circuit has established itself as a key location on the German and European racing calendars.

Track Layout and Technical Specifications

The primary Grand Prix configuration measures 3.696 kilometers (2.297 miles) in length. The track width ranges from 11 to 13 meters. Drivers navigate 14 turns during each lap. The circuit features elevation changes between 17 and 23 meters, which creates an undulating driving experience. The main straight extends 0.967 kilometers (0.6 miles), allowing cars to reach high speeds before the first corner.

The facility offers multiple track configurations. The Motorcycle 'A' Circuit measures 3.668 kilometers. The 'B' Circuit is 2.600 kilometers long, while the 'C' Circuit spans 1.100 kilometers. The motorcycle layout uses a less aggressive first turn compared to the car racing layout. This modification increases safety for two-wheeled competitors. The circuit holds FIA Grade 2 and FIM Grade C certifications.

Racing History and Major Championships

Motorsport Arena Oschersleben has hosted numerous prestigious racing series since 1997. The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) held events here from 2000-2001, 2004-2015, and returned in 2023. The FIA GT Championship visited from 1998-1999 and 2002-2009. ADAC GT Masters has been a regular fixture from 2007-2022, with events scheduled for 2024.

The circuit hosted the European Touring Car Championship from 2001 to 2004, followed by the World Touring Car Championship from 2005 to 2011. The World Superbike Championship took place here from 2000 to 2004. Other notable series include the FIA Formula Two Championship (2009-2010), Auto GP (2011), ADAC Formula 4, and ATS Formel 3 Cup. The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series made its debut at the track in 2023 and returns in 2025. The FIM Sidecar World Championship and the 24H Series endurance race continue to use the facility.

Circuit Features and Facilities

The circuit design provides excellent spectator experiences. All viewing areas sit elevated between six and eight meters above the track surface. This "arena character" gives fans clear views across most of the circuit. The paddock contains 29 equipped garages for racing teams. Office rooms, VIP lounges, and a bistro occupy spaces above the garage areas.

The race control tower includes a digital remote-controlled video monitoring system. The press center accommodates approximately 100 journalists and photographers. Commentator boxes provide workspace for broadcast teams. A four-star hotel with 88 rooms stands adjacent to the pit facilities. The venue also includes a separate kart track and an off-road course. Ample run-off areas enhance driver safety throughout the circuit.

Notable Circuit Information

The first turn underwent significant modification in 2007. The original rounded corner changed to a sharp 90-degree left-hander followed by a right bend. This alteration aimed to increase overtaking opportunities but has resulted in numerous multi-car incidents, particularly at race starts. The motorcycle layout retains the original, safer first turn configuration.

The circuit operates approximately 280 days per year, hosting races, testing sessions, driver training, and other events. Financial difficulties led to a bankruptcy filing in 2002. A consortium purchased the facility in 2005 and renamed it Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. Major updates followed in 2007. Robert De Haan holds the Grand Prix circuit lap record at 1:24.789, set in a Porsche 992.1 GT3 Cup during a Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland event.