Word on the street has it the Nurburgring sale and transition from state to private ownership is more than just a theory, it's a very likely outcome. And after so many years of bad news, you wonder how many people are still thinking about the plight of the 'ring. How many people still care?
Stripped and caged i40 not the usual 'ring toy
Hyundai, who fielded two cars
in the N24
, called a little press gathering to reveal its own Nurburgring strategies last week. Far from forgetting about the Nurburgring, it's just putting the final touches on a 5.5m euros, four-story test facility. It has a tower on it. And on the top will be a massive blue and silver 'H', shining into the eyes of the Germans on every lap. Are they late to the party, or do they know something we don't?
It's a curiously optimistic investment, considering the political turmoil surrounding the area right now. But Doncastrian, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe Allan Rushforth, was remarkably unfussed by it all.
When asked if he was worried about the investment being a risk he answered, "Not at all. The sense of momentum within the German car industry is very strong. It outweighs any short-term uncertainties."
Dale gets to grips with the Veloster Turbo
He also refused to be drawn on the village rumour that Hyundai are one of the many companies registering its interest for the Nurburgring
before June 15
saying that while it's "unlikely to be the sort of thing Hyundai are interested in, it's flattering of people to think so."
For Hyundai, its presence at the 'ring is just that. A presence, an opportunity to sit across the table eye-to-eye with its competitors in the European car market. Two years ago their test team came to Nurburg village and hired a ramp underneath and behind Ringside Seat's own workplace. Now they've got one of the flashiest, newest buildings here.
Most of the testing is about durability, though we did get to drive both the Veloster Turbo and Genesis Coupe Turbo - both of which are genuinely quick little cars. The Veloster's automatic 'box and soft suspension betrayed its American market specification, even if this does mean a slightly higher tune than the European equivalent. The rear-wheel drive Genesis in the wet was hilariously oversteery. Not the sort of thing you'd hand to a novice without the computers turned on, but absolutely top fun.
Subtle branding for Hyundai's 'ring ambitions
So imagine the competition's dismay if this 'ring-based
test programme
can further sharpen the driving experience of the next generation of these sporty products, while maintaining Hyundai's unexciting reputation for already sharp pricing and clockwork reliability.
It's a sign that not all is lost over here at the Nurburgring, and even after the glamour and hubbub between race meetings dies down there's a lot of solid business going on behind the scenes. It might be quiet again right now, with the village back to its relaxed normality, but at least the locals know for sure that the 'ring is not forgotten.
Action photos by Jorg Jakowski/ringbilder