Sachsenring

The Sachsenring is a renowned racing circuit located in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, near Chemnitz, Saxony, Germany. This circuit stands out for its counter-clockwise direction, a rarity among racing tracks. Officially named Sachsenring in 1937, the circuit first opened its doors on May 26, 1927, as an 8.618 km (5.355 mi) road circuit called the Badberg-Viereck race.

Circuit Layout and Specifications

The modern Sachsenring circuit, which reopened in 1996, boasts a length of 3.671 km (2.281 miles) and a width of 12 meters. The track features 13 turns, with 10 left-handers and 3 right-handers, and a longest straight of 700 meters. Elevation changes play a significant role, adding complexity to the circuit. Notably, the "Waterfall" (Wasserfall) corner, a fast downhill descent, tests tire grip and rider courage, earning a reputation for frequent accidents.

Racing History

Prior to World War II, the Sachsenring hosted prestigious events like the "Große Preis von Europa" (European Grand Prix) in 1936 and 1938. From 1961 to 1972, the circuit was a fixture on the World Championship calendar, hosting the East German motorcycle Grand Prix. The modern Sachsenring, purpose-built in 1996, became the permanent home of the German MotoGP round from 1998 onwards.

Notable Events and Features

The German Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) has been a regular event at Sachsenring since 1998. Other notable races include the ADAC Sachsenring Classic, ADAC GT Masters, and SuperX Cup. The circuit is known for its technical challenges, demanding precision and skill from riders. Its tight corners and elevation changes contribute to its reputation as one of the shortest and most demanding tracks on the MotoGP calendar.

Key Facts and Records

Marc Márquez holds an impressive record of eight consecutive victories at Sachsenring between 2010 and 2017, spanning multiple categories. Dani Pedrosa has also achieved six wins at the circuit. German rider Jonas Folger currently holds the lap record. Renovations and upgrades have been undertaken to enhance safety standards, and the circuit is renowned for its passionate fans and great atmosphere during race weekends, consistently attracting over 200,000 spectators.