Shock at Nürburgring: the management ends free sessions for all bikes

The Nürburgring, that legendary circuit that has made generations of motorcyclists dream, radically changes the rules of the game. If you dreamed of leaving a Porsche 911 GT3 behind with your R1 on the Nordschleife, well, that is over… or almost. The management of the circuit has decided to prohibit motorcycles in the free sessions. Why? Too many collisions between cars and motorcycles, with a human toll that was starting to weigh heavily.

A radical decision: no more free sessions for motorcycles

Until now, the Nordschleife was a unique playground in the world. A 21 km asphalt loop that crosses the forest, a place of records, of intense emotions and of unforgettable memories for all who have had the fortune to drive there. You could find anything there: ultra-prepared GT3, M3 driven by excited amateurs, and of course, motorcyclists in search of extreme emotions.

But, the coexistence between cars and motorcycles was becoming increasingly risky. A misunderstanding when entering a corner, an overly optimistic braking by a car, a motorcycle in the wrong place… and it’s a tragedy. The Nürburgring has decided: no more free driving for motorcycles. The open sessions for the public are now only for cars.

Only four days for motorcyclists… under supervision

If you thought you could still ride whenever you wanted, disappointment! Only four days are reserved for motorcycles, and only under the supervision of driving schools. Action Team will offer two days (July 30 and 31) and the ADAC will do the same (August 13 and 14). Suffice it to say that spots will be very coveted and the freedom to drive as before has come to an end.

There are other solutions, but they really do not live up to the dream. The Grand Prix circuit remains open, with 38 days of driving of which 9 are exclusively for motorcyclists. But let’s be honest, it’s not the Nordschleife…

Safety first: the management’s argument

Ingo Böder, the CEO of the Nürburgring, justifies this decision by insisting on safety. He reminds us that motorcycles are much more vulnerable than cars, which have a safety cell. “The safety of all participants is our top priority. We have closely examined the situation and decided to strictly separate cars and motorcycles,” he explains. While he cannot be blamed for this principle, it is hard not to see an inequality of treatment. Why not create specific free days for motorcycles, without cars, to preserve the spirit of Nordschleife?

A blow to the motorcycling community

This decision does not sit well, and it is understandable why. The Nordschleife was a unique place, a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts who came to challenge one of the most demanding tracks in the world. With this ban, a whole segment of motorcycling culture disappears. Those who have already ridden there know how unique the experience was: the ultra-fast sequences, the dizzying descents, the management of blind braking… All of that will only be accessible to a few lucky ones who can afford a spot on a supervised day.