Nurburgring newbie

[-Lummox-]

Morning all.

Looking for some pointers as I fancy a trip to the 'Ring for my birthday this year but hhave never been before and neither have any of my mates.

We are looking to go for a long weekend Feb 18 to 21, with the intention of driving from London to Germany on the 18th, hitting the ring on the 19th and possibly 20th (if it's open) and returning on the 21st.

Being the novices that we are, I need some help with the following:

1. the route from London to the Nurburgring (including which ferry crossing is the best bet).
2. where to stay whilst we're there - ideally a B&B or inn with a pub or two nearby.
3. how much the accomodation and use of the track is likely to cost
4. whether the track is likely to be open this early in the year.

Can anyone offer any help on these points?

Tragically I will be taking my 318is so don't expect to set any blistering lap times, I just fancy a crack at it as it looks fun. Better than a run-of-the-mill p1ss-up birthday in my local, I reckon...

[-Lummox-]

Re: the insurance point, we're all reasonably sensible 30 yr old blokes, and I'm going to be driving a horribly underpowered 3 series - there's no chance of us getting carried away and driving like fools, the main reason for going is just so I can say that I've done it!

I did check my policy and like you said, they have admitted that they will cover European roads and will not cover racetrack use, so as usual it's that grey area is it/isn't it a racetrack but to be honest, that subject has been debated at great length in other threads and I'm not looking to re-open that discussion.

Thanks for the input so far, it's much appreciated.