Nick Heidfeld to Drive Nordschleife in F1 Racecar

The "Experience BMW Motorsport" day at the Nürburgring.

A Formula One car will drive out onto the Nordschleife track for the first time in 31 years.

It has been over three decades since the greatest racing cars on the planet came face-to-face with the world's most challenging circuit. On 28th April the BMW Sauber F1.07 will become the first Formula One car for 31 years to grace the Nürburgring's legendary Nordschleife track. Nick Heidfeld's journey into history will be the highlight of a full day in the Eifel mountains with the BMW Motorsport racing arsenal.

As BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen points out: "This day is our way of saying thank-you to the fans for their support. The same weekend, the Nürburgring Nordschleife will also play host to the VLN Endurance Championship. Around a third of the drivers in the race will line up in BMW models, which helps explain why BMW Motorsport is one of the partners in the VLN. An average of 25,000 spectators will follow the action at the world's most thrilling circuit. BMW is a longstanding partner of the Nürburgring. With BMW Driver Training, BMW Adventure World, our "Ring Taxi" rides and the Performance Center all based at the circuit, this is a kind of second home for us - as well as the scene of victories in all disciplines of racing. The Formula One car's laps of the Nordschleife will be the highlight of a day devoted to BMW Motorsport. Nick's demonstration will not be about setting records, but a tribute to a unique race track - one which is inextricably linked to the heritage of BMW Motorsport."

The successful history of BMW at the Nürburgring ranges from 18 overall victories in the 24-hour race to a one-two finish in the Formula One grand prix.

The BMW Sauber F1 Team will be joined at the Nürburgring by drivers and cars from the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The fans will have the chance to experience BMW Motorsport up close, with the drivers available for questions and autograph signing. There will also be a large exhibition to enjoy featuring BMW racing machines. And for those itching to get out onto the circuit, BMW works drivers will be on hand to take passengers on a hot-heeled tour of the Nordschleife in the BMW M5 Ring Taxi, a BMW 320si WTCC or the Z4 M Coupé.

Nürburgring GmbH will also be holding the Formula One press conference for the German Grand Prix as part of this experience day. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen and BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld will be attending the press conference alongside Dr. Walter Kafitz, Managing Director, Nürburgring GmbH.