The Sachsenring is gearing up for the event of the year

• Intensive preparations for the Liqui Moly Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany
• Superlative logistics, with 145 containers and roughly 2,000 personnel

Munich. It is now just three weeks until the Liqui Moly Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany (11th to 13th July), and preparations for the only German round of the MotoGP World Championship are in full swing at the Sachsenring. Last year’s Motorcycle Grand Prix attracted over 250,000 visitors, making it the biggest individual sporting event in Germany. It takes a spectacular organisational and logistical effort to ensure that a major event of this size runs smoothly. The erection of the spectator grandstands marks the start of the critical stage of preparations. Like the action on the track, the race behind the scenes also produces some fascinating facts and figures.

The Sachsenring technology centre
The Sachsenring will again be transformed into a Mecca of motorcycle racing this year, as it welcomes the 86th edition of the Grand Prix – and this includes becoming a high-performance technology centre. An additional 15 kilometres of electric cables, 20 generators, 25 kilometres of data cables, and over 100,000 cable ties ensure a seamless power supply across the entire event area. 80 air conditioners keep the technical areas and workspaces – particularly the TV broadcast centre – cool in summery temperatures.

Twelve large video screens give fans a perfect view of the racing action. The technical infrastructure is supplemented by 145 containers from Grand Prix partner BplusL, which are used as TV work areas, editorial offices and stores, among other things.

Transport and infrastructure – a logistical tour de force
The transport concept at the Sachsenring serves as a model for major international events: approaching 1,000 road signs are positioned around the Sachsenring and on motorways and main roads, in order to ensure orderly travel to and from the circuit. The fans have plenty of places to park or camp. More than 2,000 personnel from the police, fire service, THW (Technical Relief Service) and DRK (German Red Cross) make sure everything runs smoothly and is well organised, with the help of over 450 trained volunteers. The 50 official vehicles at the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany include media shuttles, safety cars and recovery vehicles. Furthermore, a total of five helicopters are used by the police, ADAC air rescue and MotoGP for safety, medical and TV production purposes.

Perfect conditions for the MotoGP stars
Before the race weekend, the circuit will be given a fresh look: twelve tons of paint will have the curbs gleaming again. Around the Sachsenring, 150 Alpina Airfence modules will provide the stars of MotoGP with extra cushioning should they come off their bikes. Twelve permanent gravel beds, 34 garages and 8,400 metres of crash barriers make for perfect racing conditions. 16 LED panels are also used as digital signalling flags.

The countdown is on
Erection of the spectator grandstands is already in full swing. During the preparations, 35 construction vehicles are used – including cranes, wheel loaders and forklifts. The perimeter of the Sachsenring site is bordered by twelve kilometres of fencing. The finishing touches for the Liqui Moly Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany are traditionally the floral decorations in the paddock, which are put in place shortly before the start of the event. Over 50 different service providers are behind the German round of MotoGP, while more than 60 partners and sponsors support the event in Saxony.

Tickets for the Liqui Moly Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany start at € 39 and are available online at adac.de/motogp, by phone on 03723/8099111, or by E-mail to info@sachsenring-event.de. Admission to standing areas is free for under 14s when accompanied by a paying adult. New this year: the child ticket for just five euros makes a nice souvenir and serves as an emergency contact.