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Existing 6.825km circuit
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Because of
environmentalist group pressure, the backside of the Hockenheimring,
through the forest section, is off-limits to most spectators during
race weekend. This limits attendance to about 83,000.
The organizers are planning a shorter circuit that will seat over
100,000.
The long forest straight lines characterize the high-speed course, which,
for the most-part is not accessible for spectators. Spectator
locations are only at the Hardtbachdamm and the East Curve.
At other Grand Prix circuits there are
not as many prohibited areas and apart from Spa Francorchamps, are
those circuits are substantially shorter.
Many drivers like the existing
Grand Prix course, others, and mostly the better ones, find it boring and
believe it does not test driver skill because it depends primarily on engine performance.
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Proposed shorter 4.5 km
circuit
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A shorter distance would benefit also the spectators.
A 50 per cent shorter course than the current 6.825 kilometers
track means the spectators see the cars more times in a race
distance.
The track is also be threatened by
the new Eurospeedway which badly wants a F1 race. This years
F1 race at the Hockenheim ring had, with addition of more grandstands,
still only had a capacity of 83,000 spectators.
By comparison, the Nurburgring offers
more than 100,000 seats and more are planed bringing the capacity up
to 120,000, the same order of magnitude, which the Lausitzring/Eurospeedway has to offer.
The current lower capacity puts the track at a competitive disadvantage, particularly regarding the financing of a
F1 race.
Therefore, with a modernization of the Hockenheimring a higher spectator capacity, to 120,000,
is the goal. The additional seating will be in the form of temporary
grandstands. The building of fixed grandstands is expensive and
would be considered therefore only in limited number and with secured financing.
The new course section will have earth
spectator berms, which serve as nature grandstands, and also noise protection for the
nearby Hardtwald. Other new grandstands are planned.
Toilets and kiosks require the fundamental
improvements. Additionally a modern press facility is planned. The waste water disposal
system must be improved with additional reservoirs. Two display towers for the spectators in the Motodrom
section are planned, so fans can follow the race standings
better.
The cost to do all the work is
estimated at 60.1 million German Marks
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