The troubled Nurburgring with its financial woes had kept us wondering whether the legendary circuit will be shut down, or continue in being the haven automotive enthusiasts. F1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone had also expressed his intentions in saving the ‘Ring by offering a large sum of money, but it seems that someone out there has a deeper pocket for the same intention.
A Dusseldorf-based automotive firm Capricorn Group had a successful last-minute bid of USD 106.8 million (RM 350 million) for the famed Nurburgring, and is also promising to invest a further USD 34.7 million (RM 113.75 million) into the race track. Although initial reports are suggesting that the US-based HIG Capital was the one to be taking over Nurburgring, the increased offer and promise of bringing new business meant that Capricorn has sealed the deal.
Capricorn Nurburgring GmbH will be taking over fully on January 2015, with Dr. Robertino Wild and Adam Osieka as the managing directors. Understanding the value of the Nurburgring to automotive enthusiasts worldwide, Capricorn said in a press conference that motorsport would be its main priority and the track would remain open to the public.
“As an enthusiastic motorsport fan, the Nurburgring has always been a passion of mine. We have identified the enormous potential of this unique race venue and would like to optimize the existing structures, but above all turn the vision of an Automotive Technology Cluster into reality”, said Dr. Robertino Wild.
