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Österreichring 1969-76

1969-76 | 1977-95 | A1-Ring
Österreichring/A1-Ring overlay

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Circuit info:

Circuit length:: 3.673 miles/5.911 km
Circuit type:: Permanent road course

Circuit history:

One of the classic circuits of all time, the Österreichring was designed as a purpose built replacement for the bumpy airfield Zeltweg track.

Opening in 1969, it soon gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful and challenging circuits in the world. Set up among the Styrian mountains in central Austria, it sits further up the valley overlooking the airfield.

Quickly emerging as one of the fastest tracks of all, the Österreichring was a driver's delight, its 3.67 miles plunging and swooping down a hillside, with fast straights and majestic corners testing both man and machine.

Elevation change is part of the success of the Österreichring, with the run up to the Hella-Licht Kurve particularly steep.

Alas speed finally caught up with the circuit: Mark Donohue was killed in practice for the 1975 Austrian Grand Prix at turn one (Vöest Hügel), which was tightened the following year before the Hella-Licht chicane was added.

Nevertheless, the circuit still remained a challenge, and if anything, the modifications added a new overtaking spot.

But as Formula One progressed and new modern circuits sprang up, the Österreichring fell behind the times. Facilities for both competitiors and spectators were getting a little tired, while climbing speeds in the turbo era inevitably meant the writing was on the wall.

The final straw came in 1987, when the Grand Prix had to be re-started three times because of repeated collisions on the narrow start/finish straight.

After losing the Grand Prix, the circuit went through a barren spell, with little international racing. However, circuit bosses hatched a plan to win the Grand Prix back, hiring Hermann Tilke to redevelop the entire facility at great cost.

The result, named after a mobile phone company, pales into insignificance in comparision with the original Ö'ring, parts of which remain, hidden behind the trees and grandstands.