Track Guide: Everything you need to know about the Spielberg Circuit

History of the Spielberg Circuit

The Spielberg Circuit is located in Austria. The first race of this circuit happened in 1969 and the winner of this GP was Jacky Ickx. The circuit has changed a lot since that time. In fact, the Circuit was initially very steep, and dangerous due to the high speeds. Following many fatalities, the circuit was shortened considerably in 1997, but it still has long straights and many overtaking opportunities. Whereas a lap used to take 1.30 min, a lap of the Spielberg Circuit today takes approximately 1.05 min.

This shorter time is also due to the fact that the circuit now has fewer corners and more straights, reducing the need for drivers to brake. Since 2011, this circuit has also been called the Red Bull Ring. This circuit is made for high speeds and is a favourite for drivers. It is also a very enjoyable one for fans because of the short laps. Many straights means many overtaking opportunities for the pilots. Red Bull’s cars are always at ease when they arrive at the Red Bull Ring! Here we tell you all about the Spielberg circuit, aka The Red Bull Ring : the corners, the DRS zones, how to get there and much more.

Directly to:
– The Grand Prix of Austria 
– Red Bull Ring Corners
– Red Bull Ring DRS-Zones and overtaking
– Red Bull Ring Weather forecast
– How can I travel to the Red Bull Ring
– Visit the Austrian Grand Prix

The Grand Prix Of Austria

The GP of Austria has a total length of 4.318 km and the drivers need to complete 71 laps on the Red Bull Ring. The track is very short and has good straights, which ensures a brisk racing pace and a lot of overtaking action.

The setting there is the most beautiful of all the Austrian F1 circuits, for it is located in the middle of the Austrian Alps. For nature lovers, this is a fantastic experience. Indeed, from the stands you have a perfect view of the mountain landscape, green treetops and, of course, the Grand Prix!

One thing that bothers many drivers at this Grand Prix is the height differences in the tarmac. Namely, the Red Bull Ring has a 65-metre change in elevation in the course of a lap, which is an extreme challenge for a lot of drivers. Also, the incline of the track goes up to about 12 percent, which puts a lot of strain on the drivers on a physical level.

Red Bull Ring corners

The Austrian grand prix has a total of 10 corners. This is not much compared to the other circuits. And the purpose of this is clear: many corners mean less speed, and the Red Bull Ring has speed in no short supply! After the start, the pilots immediately reach the Niki Lauda Kurve, where they need to slightly ease off the gas. Then it is time to go full throttle in the long stretch towards turns 2 and 3 (Remus). Heading towards Schlossgold (4), drivers can again allow their engines to reach full speed until turns 5-6, Rauch and 7-8, Wurth kurve, after which full-on acceleration is again on the menu from after turn 8 until turn 9, Rindt, comes into view. In the final stretch, the pilots have to negotiate the abrupt turn 10, aka the Red Bull Mobile, and then the longest straight begins, meaning full speed again! 

Name	Corners	Directions	Speed
Niki Lauda Kurve	1	Right	Low
Remus	2 and 3	Right	High-low
Schlossgold	4	Chicane right	Low
Rauch	5 and 6	Left	Average-High
Wurth	7 and 8	Left	Average-High
Rindt	9	Right	Average-High
Red Bull Mobile	10	Right	Average

Red Bull Ring DRS zones and overtaking

In order to make the race as spectacular as possible, the Austrian grand prix has no less than 3 DRS zones that make it easier for the drivers to overtake each other. These zones can be found in the main straight of the Red Bull Ring circuit (the long line that includes the start of the circuit), in the straight between turns 1 and 3 and in the straight that take pilots from turn 3 to turn 4. So the overtakes opportunities are as follows:

• Before the Niki Lauda Kurve: This corner comes after a fantastic opportunity for drivers to overtake successfully : a long straight with DRS, the longest in the circuit.
• Before Remus: If the pilots didn’t manage to overtake in the previous DRS zone, they can try again in this one! However, they then have to be extra careful when reaching the Remus sharp brake curve.  
• Before Schlossgold: Between Remus and Schlossgold comes the third and last DRS Zone, another opportunity for overtaking. Then again, Schlossgold is no less tricky a turn than Remus, so braking at the right time is essential…

Red Bull Ring Weather forecast

The Red Bull Ring is located in the town of Spielberg in Austria. Spielberg is located in the federal state of Styria, also known as the green heart of Austria. The GP of Austria is held in July, in the middle of summer F1 Program . The temperatures can vary between 16 and 26 degrees in Austria at that time of the year. We recommend bringing an umbrella, a poncho or both so that bad weather cannot ruin your day. Always prepare for the worst weather scenario !

How can I travel to the Red Bull Ring?

The best way to reach the circuit is via Vienna International Airport. During the Austrian GP, there will be extra trains running where you will need to board early before the start of the race. It is therefore well advised to book a city trip to Vienna so that you can have a spectacular experience and enjoy it to the fullest. From Vienna, a 3-hour train ride will take you to Knittelfeld station where you will be picked up by a shuttle bus that will take you to the Red Bull Ring.

Visit the Austrian Grand Prix

The village of Spielberg transforms into a sea of orange during the Austrian grand prix, an incredible sight! Furthermore, you can of course enjoy yourself in the fan zone with the best choices in snacks and drinks. Would you like an autograph of your favourite driver? Then be sure to visit the fan zone!

Austrian GP Tickets