Oschersleben

The Motorsport Arena Oschersleben stands as a significant landmark in German motorsport history. Located in the Börde district near Magdeburg, this permanent road circuit opened on July 25, 1997, as the first racing venue built in former East Germany after reunification. The €58 million facility quickly established itself as an important destination on the European racing calendar, hosting numerous prestigious championships and offering excellent viewing opportunities with its arena-style design.

History and Development

Originally named Motopark Oschersleben, the circuit represented a new era for motorsport in unified Germany. As the country's fourth permanent racing facility, it filled a geographical void in the northern region. The track's construction came during a period of infrastructure development in the former East Germany, making it a symbol of sporting progress following reunification. In its 25+ years of operation, Oschersleben has evolved from a regional venue to an internationally recognized motorsport destination.

Track Layout and Technical Specifications

The Grand Prix circuit spans 3.696 kilometers (2.297 miles) with 14 turns equally divided between left and right corners. The track maintains a width of 11-13 meters throughout and features modest elevation changes of 23 meters, creating a relatively flat but technically demanding layout. The 700-meter main straight allows drivers to reach speeds up to 280 km/h before heavy braking for the first corner. The circuit offers additional configurations including the shorter "B" Circuit (2.6 km) and "C" Circuit (1.1 km), which can operate simultaneously for different events.

Oschersleben's technical nature comes from its combination of hairpins, chicanes, and sweeping corners that reward precise driving and proper racing lines. The track design creates multiple overtaking opportunities, particularly at the end of the main straight and into the tight hairpin turns.

Racing History and Notable Events

The circuit has hosted many prestigious racing series since its inception. The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) competitions ran at Oschersleben during multiple periods (2000-2001, 2004-2015, and returning in 2023). World-class motorcycle racing found a home here with the Superbike World Championship (2000-2004) and the FIM Endurance World Championship's 8 Hours of Oschersleben (1999-2009, 2012-2019). The World Touring Car Championship selected the track for the WTCC Race of Germany from 2005-2011.

Other significant events include the FIA GT Championship, ADAC GT Masters, IDM Superbikes, Sidecar World Championship, and more recently, the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series starting in 2023. This diverse racing portfolio demonstrates the circuit's versatility and international appeal.

Facilities and Features

The Motorsport Arena Oschersleben offers comprehensive facilities that serve racing teams and spectators alike. The venue includes 29 pit garages, modern race control with digital monitoring systems, and a fully equipped press center. One distinctive feature is the elevated spectator areas, positioned 6-8 meters above track level, providing excellent views across multiple sections of the circuit.

The facility includes a 4-star hotel with 88 rooms directly at the circuit and camping accommodations for visitors. Beyond racing weekends, the track remains active approximately 280 days per year, hosting testing sessions, driver training programs, and corporate events.

Records and Recognition

The Grand Prix Circuit lap record stands at 1:18.846, set by Sergey Afanasyev in a Lola B05/52 during a 2011 Auto GP event. For motorcycles, Andreas Zuber holds the record with 1:15.050 in a Dallara T05 from 2005. As Germany's northernmost racing venue and with its Grade 2 FIA certification, Oschersleben continues to play an important role in European motorsport, blending technical challenges with excellent spectator experiences.