Nürburgring 2023

[Calza]

Technically this is a 2024 question, but what's it like the first couple of weeks of opening in March?

Looking to arrange a small trip and really need to do it before April, so a couple of weekends to look at. Is it more mobbed due to reopening or the same as any weekend? (i.e still fairly busy).

[paulwirral]

Just avoid Easter , Friday especially

[doogalman]

Calza said:

Technically this is a 2024 question, but what's it like the first couple of weeks of opening in March?

Looking to arrange a small trip and really need to do it before April, so a couple of weekends to look at. Is it more mobbed due to reopening or the same as any weekend? (i.e still fairly busy).

It depends on a few factors but the main one is weather. It could be dry or there could be frost and snow. Nürburgring is susceptible to varied weather patterns. Also the track can be quite green and have a lot of mud ingrained into the surface with the works going on throughout the winter months.
On the whole it can be fairly quiet as most tourists wait for Easter and many locals only use their cars from April.
I’ve been at the track early March and got sunburn, but likewise it can be wet, cold and not very welcoming.

[ukkid35]

Calza said:

Technically this is a 2024 question, but what's it like the first couple of weeks of opening in March?

Looking to arrange a small trip and really need to do it before April, so a couple of weekends to look at. Is it more mobbed due to reopening or the same as any weekend? (i.e still fairly busy).

Both photos were taken in April, it really is totally unpredictable

[Jamescrs]

I was there the 2nd April 2023 which was a Sunday just to spectate as I had a track day booked on the 3rd April at Spa, the weather was very cold and damp, as I recall the track was closed all day pretty much as the fog never cleared, down at the bottom at Cockpit Cafe it was clear but damp but when we drove up to the main entrance the fog was very thick and didn't move all day.

[Calza]

Roll of the dice then, thanks all.

Suggestions for backup plans if the weather is st?

[ecsrobin]

Calza said:

Roll of the dice then, thanks all.

Suggestions for backup plans if the weather is st?

Drive to Cologne and drink any the many beer halls.

[doogalman]

Calza said:

Roll of the dice then, thanks all.

Suggestions for backup plans if the weather is st?

If weather is dire the track will be empty. A great time to go and have an exploratory drive on track. Brake earlier slightly off line. Think where the dry line would be and stay wide of it. Don’t go quick but just explore grip levels off line, with careful smooth control inputs.

[Digga]

doogalman said:

Calza said:

Roll of the dice then, thanks all.

Suggestions for backup plans if the weather is st?

If weather is dire the track will be empty. A great time to go and have an exploratory drive on track. Brake earlier slightly off line. Think where the dry line would be and stay wide of it. Don’t go quick but just explore grip levels off line, with careful smooth control inputs.

That’s excellent advice. Only thing I’d add is, even if it’s wet, use mirrors - locals and experts will be going quicker.

[Calza]

To be honest it would definitely be more of a few tourist laps rather than anything even close to exploratory so maybe not the worst thing if the weather is poor.