Hockenheim - New Layout

[MagVanisher]

While I'm waiting for Mr. Selby to work on the new layout of Fuji Speedway (complete with oval), I would like everyone to brainstorm and give ideas on "improving" Hockenheim.

Do you want it to return to the old layout with new features, or make it larger? I'll make mine later.

[MagVanisher]

Oh yes, here's my take on the Hockenheimring!



What do you think?

[August]

Unfortunately we won't see anymore the long Hockenheimring, but it would've been awesome had they retained the old circuit and made an 10+ km endurance circuit with an infield section. On the other hand, that would've required chopping the forest, and had that been allowed, maybe we'd still have the long circuit.

[MagVanisher]

You're right... Maybe in the near future, someone would bring back the old layout of Hockenheimring while adding some tracks at the infield. That would be great for endurance racing.

On the other hand, is there any suggestion to add more on my new layout?

[ptclaus98]

I think some simple modification would make it better.

Okay, maybe simple was the wrong word...

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com?r=5573483

[Yannick]

Well, if I ever make it to Hockenheim, I'll gladly take my girlfriend for a walk through the forest on the hiking path that leads down towards the Ostkurve. I know she would enjoy that much more than watching a race. The new circuit since 2002 is not really much to write home about so it's somewhat unlikely that we would go there but you never know.

Thank you anyway for posting your fantasy track edits of Hockenheim.

[MagnetON]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

On the other hand, is there any suggestion to add more on my new layout?

Looking at the modern economics of race tracks you could consider a little modification around the area I've put in red. That way you could run the two halves of the circuit independently. Racing on one side and testing on another, or two different track days, etc.

Just a thought.

[MagVanisher]

Okay, I'll take note of that. Then what about the new infield section of the old circuit, will it needs some improvements?

[MagnetON]

Originally Posted by MagVanisher

Okay, I'll take note of that. Then what about the new infield section of the old circuit, will it needs some improvements?

I like it.

[ECW Dan Selby]

Ok, here's my idea:

Hockenheim was originally shortened to give fans more bang for their buck. Bernie didn't feel fans were getting enough. But it's pretty clear that fans miss seeing the skinny wings, huge high speeds, and those long straights through the forest.

I figured, the best way of allowing the audience to see more of the cars, is to build two complexes in place of the old chicanes.

The two blocks at the north section of the circuit represent two new grandstands. Fans would still receive bang for their buck by seeing cars for easily 4 times as much as they'd use to with the chicanes.

Complex 1 (The Jim Clark Complex) is a hairpin right (which still offers a very similar overtake to the old first chicane), in to a tiny little kink (to keep the drivers on their toes) in to a Rivazza-esque double left, followed by a right kink out of the complex which would require a lift on full fuel, but flatout otherwise.

You'd then have a similar straight in between, this time in to Complex 2 (The Ostkurve Complex). This is almost a reverse version of Turkey's final complex, which has worked magnificently. There is a grandstand situated there, so I presume this complies with Bernie's idea of 'bang for the buck'.

You then end up back on to the old straight, bypass the chicane and head in to the new Mercedes section that the track uses now. This is to make use of the Mercedes grandstand (shown as a black block) which is very important to the track. You have ample run-off for the right kink (which is taken flatout on the current circuit, may not be flatout after this longer straight...), which now almost mirrors the old entry to the stadium (drivers used to love that right kink, which still remains, but now has speed scrubbed off beforehand).

This is the best I could do with what was available, and for me, is a fair compromise between spectator value, and taking some of the old positives of the old Hockenheim.

Selby

[MagVanisher]

Hmm, I'll take note for your improvements, Mr. Selby.

[ECW Dan Selby]

Ok, here's the progress i've been making on the Hockenheim edit shown above. Here's an onboard lap of what i've managed thus far:

http://youtu.be/h-3YnduWKe0

Feedback definitely welcome!

Selby

[MagVanisher]

Hmm, I think it needs more infield action...

Maybe you should base it on the old course and create two layouts for Formula One and Sportscar racing. That way, it's a win-win for Mr. Bernie and those fans who yearn the old track.

[ECW Dan Selby]

Elaborate on 'more in-field', please

My idea was to keep the long straights through the forest. The problem was how quickly they lept through those chicanes and disappeared down the next straight. I added the Clark/Ostkurve complexes to basically be elongated versions of the chicanes.

Selby

[MagVanisher]

Um Mr. Selby, could you forget what I've said about the infield action.



Anyway, added some of Mr. Selby's sections on Hockenheimring. What do you think?

[NaBUru38]

I liked Hochenheim's long straights. If there had to be a way to keep the essence while reducing the track area, how about this?



It connects with the classic Kurzanbindung, so there are two really long straights now. The go straight begins with a fast left hander, and then has a fast left-right (like in the Nürburgring GP in the sector 2). In the forth straight, there is an optional chicane for slower cars. There is a shorter alternative for cars that don't need so long straights.

[ptclaus98]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

I liked Hochenheim's long straights. If there had to be a way to keep the essence while reducing the track area, how about this?



It connects with the classic Kurzanbindung, so there are two really long straights now. The go straight begins with a fast left hander, and then has a fast left-right (like in the Nürburgring GP in the sector 2). In the forth straight, there is an optional chicane for slower cars. There is a shorter alternative for cars that don't need so long straights.

Brilliant. The only thing I'd change is to use the Mercedes Arena corner instead of the quick esse.

[NaBUru38]

Nooo, I want that section to be very fast. Ok, there could be a chicane option for slower classes.

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

I liked Hochenheim's long straights. If there had to be a way to keep the essence while reducing the track area, how about this?



It connects with the classic Kurzanbindung, so there are two really long straights now. The go straight begins with a fast left hander, and then has a fast left-right (like in the Nürburgring GP in the sector 2). In the forth straight, there is an optional chicane for slower cars. There is a shorter alternative for cars that don't need so long straights.

It's good for the new layout but I want to see incorporating the old layout with changes.

[bio]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

I like this one very much.

bio

[bio]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

Nooo, I want that section to be very fast. Ok, there could be a chicane option for slower classes.

I agree: a slower turn there would disrupt the flow and slow the cars down - something the race wouldn't need at that point, IMHO. The faster the turn there is the better, I'd say.

bio

[arnoldridley]

Does anybody know if the old Hockenheim circuit is accessible to the public?

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by arnoldridley

Does anybody know if the old Hockenheim circuit is accessible to the public?

Currently, it is not accessible I'm afraid. But, we can brainstorm on how to integrate the old section while improving some.