One of the most famous racetracks in Europe, the Nürburgring in the Eifel region of Germany was opened as a race and test track in 1927, and retained its original form until 1982. The legendary Nordschleife is still largely unchanged today. The original Südschleife was replaced with a modern Grand Prix circuit in 1984. Since then, its easily modifiable layout has made it one of the best-known Formula One venues in the world. The first winner on the new circuit was Alain Prost, who won in the same year as the track was opened. Since 2007, Formula One races have alternated on a yearly basis with the Hockenheimring.

The Grand Prix circuit is still merged with the Nordschleife for certain endurance races. This variant produces the longest permanent racetrack in the world and hosts the iconic 24-hour race, which regularly attracts well over 100,000 spectators. It is still possible for members of the public to pit their wits against the Nordschleife, at a nominal cost.