PURE RACE FEELING.

The Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, also known in awe around the world as the ‘Green Hell’, is a racetrack like no other. Drivers that wanted to win its 24-hour classic or one of the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix that were held here always had to operate on a level somewhere between genius and madness, in order to negotiate the steep climbs and sharp drops on a circuit that stretches out deep into the forest. To this day, competitors and teams still respect its enormous challenge and appreciate its special appeal in equal measure.

This extremely demanding course is regarded worldwide as a true indicator of a sports cars’ performance. Over exactly 20.832 kilometres, the asphalt track, characterised by abrupt differences in altitude, winds its way through the Eifel mountain range in western Germany. Full throttle passages alternate with slow sections, long straights with tight corners, and smooth stretches with sharp passages. Renowned sections such as Tiergarten, Hatzenbach, Kesselchen or the Döttinger Höhe can be all experienced in your own vehicle on so-called ‘tourist rides’.

Hardly any racetrack has changed as often and as significantly as the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. Located in the middle of a magnificent alpine landscape, there is no other circuit in the world like it. For years, some of the most important racing series on two and four wheels, including MotoGP, Formula 1 and DTM, have been competing at this ultra-modern facility with its characteristic mountain and valley course.

Anyone can take advantage of the regular opportunities to drive their own car on the circuit’s perfectly laid asphalt. Generous run-off zones and extremely high safety standards make this motorsport experience one of the safest possible. If you don't want to put your own vehicle through the challenge, you will find exciting alternatives amongst a whole catalogue of cars offered by the track’s operator.

This racetrack, reverently referred to as the ‘Ardennes rollercoaster’ by motorsport enthusiasts and racing drivers alike, is home to one of the most iconic corners in the racing world: the ‘Eau Rouge’, named after a nearby river that shimmers red due to the high iron content of its sediment. Its combination of lateral G forces and compression, caused by gradients of up to 18 percent between the drop down and then climb up to the crest of ‘Raidillon’, the corner that follows, is unprecedented. This immense physical force is further exaggerated by the height difference of about 100 metres between the two corners.

Amateur racing fans wanting a go on this tarmacked thrill ride in their own vehicle can take part in one of the regular public driving experiences offered by the circuit’s operator.

Le Castellet's ultra-modern course has its very own charms, which quickly become clear at every point of its layout. The Circuit Paul Ricard itself is part of a large racing, testing and trial complex that offers professionals and newcomers alike the optimum conditions for demanding racing or their first steps on a serious circuit. Since its last modification a few years ago, the course has been characterised by its fluid yet very technical combination of corners, as well as the contrasting colours of its wide run-off zones. The highlight: the different colours also fulfil a functional purpose, with the blue and red surfaces offering even more grip than normal asphalt thanks to the special materials used in their composition. This is intended to lessen the consequences if you unintentionally leave the track at crucial points.

The Circuit Paul Ricard lies in the middle of a breathtakingly beautiful landscape not far from the Côte d'Azur, and its location displays all the typical southern French flair. This racetrack regularly opens its doors to enthusiastic amateur drivers. If you don’t want to take your own car, you can book alternative vehicles to use at various events and driver seminars held on the circuit.

One of the highlights of the motorsport world is undoubtedly the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. It is a racetrack with storied history, with races having been held in the Royal Park near Milan for just under a century. Fans of racing nostalgia enjoy the slightly rudimentary layout of the old track, with its characteristic steep corners. For the passionate Tifosi, Monza is no less than the Mecca of the motorsport world. The course has always been unmistakable due to the high proportion of it that can be driven at full throttle. Naturally, speed records are regularly set here for many different classes of vehicle.

On its track days, even those car enthusiasts without a motorsport licence or their own racing team can take the opportunity to tackle Monza’s legendary passages, such as the Curva Grande, the two Lesmo curves and the extremely fast Parabolica shortly before the start and finish – the threateningly close, deep gravel traps always in the corner of their eyes. Monza is one of the few remaining Grand Prix circuits that uses these to catch any car leaving its asphalt at speed.

Located in the southwestern-most corner of Europe, Portugal’s state-of-the-art. Autodromo Internacional do Algarve racetrack is just over ten years old. The local AIA Racing School offers everything from safety training to comprehensive race training. Depending on your level of experience and requirements, it will also provide the appropriate vehicles. If you just want to get a taste of the racetrack with your own car, you can do so at one of its ‘Auto Track Days’. The 20-minute sessions on the 4,684-metre-long course, peppered with challenging passages, offer plenty of potential for goosebumps and thrilling experiences.

The BMW Driving Experience offers the best opportunity to feel the excitement of the racetrack from behind the wheel. The latest BMW M models and perfect organisation offer you the ideal introduction. On some of the racetracks listed here, as well as other circuits around the globe, enthusiastic instructors with a wealth of motorsport experience provide an emotional experience that is guaranteed to stay with you. The chance to work on and progress your own racing skills, as well as the kind of adrenalin rush that is a trademark of the BMW Driving Experience, are guaranteed.