In 1930 Ernst Christ decided to create a race course in his hometown of Hockenheim. Construction work began in March 1932 and only two months later the first race was held. The Hockenheim ring, however, didn't take on its well-known oval form until 1938 when the east curve was installed.
In 1930 Ernst Christ decided to create a race course in his hometown of Hockenheim. Construction work began in March 1932 and only two months later the first race was held. The Hockenheim ring, however, didn't take on its well-known oval form until 1938 when the east curve was installed.
In the Second World War the Hockenheim ring was heavily damaged; the lanes were demolished and the timber constructions were torn off. But only two years after the end of war, the engines thundered again over the race course.
In 1961, Ernst Christ designed the spectator-friendly Motodrom. Building of the new Motodrom began in the spring of 1964 and was opened in May 1966. 02 August 1970 saw the first F1 race take place in Hockenheim with over 100,000 spectators.
In 2002, 62 million euros were spent improving the track; the distance shortened by around 2km guaranteeing exciting overtaking maneuvers and new grandstands increased the spectator capacity of 83,000 to 120,000.
Track data
Length: 4574m
Width: min. 15m
Corners: 17
Straight sections: 6