Formula 1 returns to Nürburgring Nordschleife

As reported by ITV-F1 BMW will put German F1 pilot Nick Heidfeld (Quick Nick) into one of their 2007 F1 cars to charge around the 14.2 mile circuit which used to hold a world champinship race until Niki Lauda's near fatal accident in 1976.


This is a very rare opportunity as the liklihood of Formula 1 ever returning to this famous circuit is virtually nil due to safety reasons.

BMW's Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said the following:


but I'd be surprised if BMW didn't walk away with the fastest lap time ever recorded around the old "Ring".

Nick Heidfeld:


Niki's 1976 accident

Splitting hairs probably, but doesn't 'lapping the track in anger' imply some sort of competitive edge to the event - which there doesn't seem to be.

Their words, not mine. But I'd argue that he's not just gonna potter around under speed restrictions which quite often happens in F1 demonstrations, that he's free to put the hammer down as he sees fit.
I'm wondering just how a modern F1 will handle the circuit, it's not exactly the smoothest, and corners like the carousel don't look too compatible with an F1 car either:

wow. promises to be exciting. wonder how well he knows the track... or if he's studying up between now and the demo day (gran turismo, perhaps? ). it's a tough track to learn (as everybody knows). drove it once and it was a blast. lots of blind turns, though. would be scary at f1 speeds (as herr lauda can attest to).

I want to watch!!!