Lausitzring marks its 25-year anniversary
The Lausitzring, Europe's most significant independent testing and inspection centre for future mobility, is now operated by the organisation Dekra on a 500-hectare racing and test track area. Originally inaugurated in Klettwitz, Brandenburg, Germany in 2000, the Lausitzring has undergone a remarkable transformation since Dekra's purchase in late 2017.
Detlef Tabbert, Brandenburg's Minister for Infrastructure and Spatial Planning, praised Dekra's commitment, stating it comes at the right time in the structural change region and demonstrates the innovative strength of the Lausitz region. Guido Kutschera, Germany's head of Dekra, shared similar sentiments, stating that taking over the Lausitzring was fortunate for both Dekra and the region.
The sale of the Lausitzring to Dekra brought stability to the racetrack, which has been a key facility for both racing and vehicle testing ever since. The Lausitzring, officially named the Dekra Lausitzring, remains an important motorsport venue and test track. It is significant for its unique high-speed tri-oval track, one of the few in continental Europe, and permanent use in major racing series such as DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) and European truck racing events.
Since Dekra's acquisition, the Lausitzring has kept its reputation as a prominent circuit, leveraging the brand recognition and expertise of Dekra, a company specialized in vehicle safety and testing. This synergy supports the track's dual role as a venue for top-tier races and a testing ground for automotive developments. The ongoing events and recent race results, such as those involving prominent drivers like Norbert Kiss and Antonio Albacete in truck racing, underscore the track's continuing relevance and active calendar.
The Lausitzring's early years were marked by several accidents and financial difficulties. However, after various interim solutions, the sale of the Lausitzring to Dekra brought necessary stability to both the test operations and the racetrack. The track marshal's tragic loss of life in 2001 and race car driver Michele Alboreto's fatal accident during test drives in 2001 are sobering reminders of the risks associated with motorsport.
Despite initial aspirations, the Lausitzring has not hosted the Formula 1. It has been a long time since it raced at Hockenheim and Nurburgring. Nevertheless, national top series like the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters continue to regularly visit the Lausitzring, keeping its motorsport tradition alive.
The Lausitzring is now considered one of Brandenburg's success stories in state politics, with approximately 300 people employed at the facility by Dekra. Dekra is also considered one of the most attractive employers in the region, particularly in the engineering and technician sectors. The ongoing investment and commitment to the Lausitzring by Dekra serve as a testament to the potential of the region and the importance of motorsport and automotive testing in the 21st century.
References:
[1] "Dekra Lausitzring." Dekra. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.dekra.com/en/business-units/automotive/test-centres/lausitzring.html
[2] "Lausitzring." Wikipedia. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lausitzring
[4] "Lausitzring: Dekra's Commitment Revitalizes Germany's Motorsport Hub." Motorsport.com. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/lausitzring-dekras-commitment-revitalizes-germanys-motorsport-hub/6138421/
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