Located near Hohenstein-Ernstthal, the Sachsenring is Germany’s premier motorcycle racing circuit and one of the most technical venues on the MotoGP calendar. Renowned for its relentless sequence of corners, dramatic elevation changes and uniquely demanding layout, the circuit rewards precision, consistency and absolute confidence.
Although relatively short by modern Grand Prix standards, Sachsenring challenges riders and drivers through continuous direction changes rather than outright speed. Its distinctive character has made it a favourite among motorcycle competitors while producing some of the closest racing in international competition.
Today the Sachsenring remains the spiritual home of German motorcycle racing and one of Central Europe’s most celebrated motorsport venues.
In Brief
- Motorcycle racing has taken place in Hohenstein-Ernstthal since the 1920s.
- The modern Sachsenring opened in 1996.
- The circuit features ten left-hand corners and only three right-hand corners.
- It is one of the shortest circuits on the MotoGP calendar.
- The final downhill right-hander is one of the championship’s most distinctive corners due to tyre temperature differences.
- The Sachsenring regularly attracts one of the largest crowds of the MotoGP season.
History
Motor racing around Hohenstein-Ernstthal began in the 1920s on public roads, establishing the Sachsenring as one of Germany’s oldest motorsport traditions.
Following increasing safety concerns, a permanent circuit was constructed nearby and officially opened in 1996. While considerably shorter than the historic road course, the new Sachsenring retained the area’s natural elevation changes and technical character.
The venue joined the German motorcycle Grand Prix in 1998 and has remained one of the championship’s most popular events ever since. It also hosts national motorcycle championships, historic racing and a variety of automotive events.
Today the Sachsenring continues to attract some of the largest crowds in German motorsport.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix layout measures 3.671 kilometres and features 13 corners, with 10 left-handers and just 3 right-handers, arranged in a clockwise direction.
Its defining feature is the overwhelming emphasis on left-hand turns. Riders spend much of the lap at sustained lean angles before encountering the famous downhill right-hand final corner, creating one of the most distinctive rhythms in international motorcycle racing.
The circuit continually climbs and descends through the Saxon landscape, combining blind crests, off-camber entries and technical braking zones within a remarkably compact lap.
Despite its modest length, Sachsenring demands complete concentration from start to finish.
LENGTH
3.671
kilometres
WIDTH
10–12
metres
DIRECTION
CCW
counter-clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
ELEVATION CHANGE
35.5
metres
OPENED
1927
99 years ago
Sachsenring is defined by its compact layout, substantial elevation changes and long sequence of predominantly left-hand corners, creating an unusual rhythm that places sustained demands on tyres and chassis balance. The opening section is comparatively slow and technical, with repeated changes of direction requiring precision before the circuit begins to develop greater speed.
The character changes dramatically through the middle and later sections, where successive left-handers build momentum as the circuit follows the surrounding terrain. The fast downhill Turn 11, known as the Waterfall, presents a particularly demanding transition after an extended sequence of left turns, before the circuit descends towards Sachsenkurve and climbs again through the final Queckenberg corner.
Sachsenring’s defining challenge comes from its strongly asymmetric corner distribution and changing elevation. Riders must maintain rhythm through extended left-hand sequences while managing tyre temperatures and preparing for the comparatively rare right-hand corners, making confidence, precision and tyre management particularly important.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | Coca-Cola Kurve Right |
| 2 | T2 Left |
| 3 | Castrol Omega Right |
| 4 | T4 Left |
| 5 | T5 Left |
| 6 | T6 Left |
| 7 | T7 Left |
| 8 | T8 Left |
| 9 | T9 Left |
| 10 | T10 Left |
| 11 | Waterfall Right |
| 12 | Sachsen Kurve Left |
| 13 | Queckenberg Kurve Left |
Sachsenring represents one of Germany’s longest-established motorsport traditions, with racing around Hohenstein-Ernstthal dating to 1927. The original public-road course became an important venue for automobile and motorcycle competition, establishing the Sachsenring name decades before the construction of the modern permanent circuit.
Motorcycle racing has remained central to that identity. Sachsenring became particularly important through the German Motorcycle Grand Prix, developing into one of MotoGP’s most recognisable European events and attracting exceptionally large and enthusiastic crowds from Germany and neighbouring countries.
The modern circuit therefore connects two very different eras of competition: the demanding public-road races of the twentieth century and contemporary MotoGP racing within a purpose-developed permanent facility. This continuity, together with the region’s strong motorcycle heritage, gives Sachsenring a significance extending well beyond its relatively small physical scale.
Visitor Experience
The Sachsenring offers an authentic and passionate motorcycle racing atmosphere.
Natural embankments provide excellent views across several sections of the circuit, while German MotoGP weekends attract enthusiastic crowds from across Europe. The compact layout allows spectators to follow much of the action without travelling large distances around the venue.
Beyond the circuit, visitors can explore the cultural heritage of Saxony, including nearby Chemnitz, historic castles and scenic countryside.
Location
The Sachsenring is situated near Hohenstein-Ernstthal, approximately 20 kilometres west of Chemnitz and around 90 kilometres south of Leipzig.
The circuit occupies gently rolling terrain that contributes significantly to its technical character and distinctive elevation profile.
Address
09353 Oberlungwitz
Saxony
Germany
Website