Fresh F1

Nürburgring Nordschleife was the host for a modren F1 car for the first time in 31 years, as Nick Heidfeld drove his BMW Sauber around the legendary 20.9 km track.

His laptime of 8 minutes 34 seconds was never meant to show the true potential of an F1 car. Instead, Heidfeld was instructed to slow down several times on each of his three laps of the track, for photographic purposes. The German did achieve a top speed of 275 Kph though.

“This drive was simply incredible,” said Heidfeld. “This racing track is the best in the world. I’d really like to have emptied the tank. It was a very special moment when I left the Grand Prix circuit in the direction of the Nordschleife.” “I’ll never forget today as long as I live.”

BMW Team boss Mario Theissen confirmed the event had always been planned as a tribute to the legendary Nordschleife track rather than an attempt to set a new lap record.

We had implored him to be careful,” Theissen said.

~ by Wiz Kid on April 29, 2007.