Coronel: The Nordschleife, the best race track on planet earth

Top privateer Tom Coronel says the Nürburgring Nordschleife, venue for next week’s FIA WTCC Race of Germany, must be treated with the utmost respect.

Now a five-time winner in the FIA World Touring Car Championship following his triumph in Morocco’s Opening Race earlier this month, Coronel cannot wait for the WTCC’s return to the track he describes as the “best on planet earth”.

However, the ROAL Motorsport Chevrolet driver is mindful of the demanding nature of the track and the challenge that lies ahead.

“It’s the best race track on planet earth,” said Coronel. “It’s the most challenging track, it’s changing all the time. You can never do a lap perfectly. Every lap you have at least 10 times a near narrow escape and I don’t think anybody knows the track 100 per cent because that’s impossible.

“But you have to be scared because if you don’t respect this track then you don’t respect anything on planet earth. This is the most challenging thing a race driver can find. It’s always in your mind that there is something scary but at the same time you feel privileged that you are allowed to drive this track.”

Coronel will be in contention for WTCC Trophy honours for privateer racers when the event takes place from 26-28 May.