12 Circuits come and go, then disappear. But some, even if no longer in use, hold a special place in history. Today, let's take a look at one of these, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ever visited by the world motorcycle racing scene.
Solitude is a place apart. In French, the name is ambiguous; almost poetic. To give you some context, we are in Germany, in the municipality of Leonberg, east of Stuttgart. In this region, motorsports have been widespread for a very long time. Before becoming a circuit, it was a simple hill climb laid out in 1903 leading to the rococo Solitude Palace, hence its nameThen a loop formed, and only became more refined from 1925 to 1935.
Having been there, you can still see the route, and it's magnificent.
And what a gem. It's hard to get more "old-fashioned" in spirit.Solitude is mostly made up of long curves, with only a few sharp turns, all set in the heart of the forest and, of course, with significant elevation changes. For some Formula 1 drivers – the category has raced there on numerous occasions, but only outside of championship events – the series of curves leading from the lowest point is a challenge. Schattengrund The route up to the finish was harder to remember than the Nürburgring. To go fast through this section of about fifteen turns, all different or nearly so, Absolute control was required.
The circuit's image has always been embodied by two very distinct landmarks. First, the unique and perfectly preserved control tower (cover photo). Second, the first Glemseck corner, complete with a bar—perfect for quenching your thirst after channeling your inner Mike Hailwood (with water, of course!). Because yes, today, Almost the entire vintage circuit uses public roads, however, the speed limit is 60 km/h.Numerous signs warn motorcyclists about the danger and the checks of the police are not rare there.
Motorcycling holds a special place in Solitude. Some time after the World Championship's inception in 1949, Solitude was selected to host the German round, well before the Nürburgring. As is often the case in Germany, a rotation system was implemented to ensure no track was overlooked and to offer greater variety. In total, the World Championship visited Stuttgart six times between 1952 and 1964. Then, Hockenheim, more recent and adapted to all motor sports, established itself permanently.
Solitude is highly valued by one man in particular, from the moment it was added to the calendarReg Armstrong, an Irishman and major figure in the championship during the 1950s, made it his domain. He achieved three victories there, including two in the 500cc class (1952 and 1956). Thanks to its proximity to the metropolis of Stuttgart (population nearly 700,000), record crowds filled the stands. Sources indicate 500 spectators in 1954 for the celebration of Rupert Hollaus' 125cc title.
Due to its position in the season, It was not uncommon to see crowned champions there.Among others, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, and Carlo Ubbiali all made their mark on history in Stuttgart. But the most memorable edition of the German Grand Prix held here took place in 1964. The organizers went all out, creating perhaps the largest gathering of stars in the history of motorsport, one that would even make... Liberty MediumOn the weekend of July 18th and 19th, those lucky enough to be in the stands can watch the Solitude Grand Prix in Formula 1, the traditional non-championship race, but contested by the greatest drivers, as well as the GP from Germany by motorcycle.
If you don't have Mike Hailwood in your top 10… we're going to have a serious discussion! Here in Assen in 1964. Photo: ANEFO
While strolling through the paddocks, you might have bumped into Jim Clark, Graham Hill, then Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read and Jim RedmanAmong others. A gathering of some thirty legendary names. Unfortunately, the celebration was marred by tragic news. This wasn't the first time a motorcyclist had lost their life on the Swabian asphalt. Dennis Lashmar, an Englishman, broke his neck there in 1954. The illustrious Bob Brown died in the pits in 1960. But for Karl Recktenwald, it's different.
As the 500cc bikes were about to cross the finish line, Walter Scheimann crashed due to a gearbox failure. In his misfortune, he took down his poor friend Karl, who suffered serious leg injuries. While it may not have seemed so serious at first glance, internal injuries ultimately claimed the life of the former " fastest policeman in Europe ».
Recktenwald was very popular with fans, and even more so by his fellow peacekeepers, who gathered by the thousands for his funeral. Since then, a memorial stone has been erected in his honor, which is still visible if you know where it is. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to go to the " Solitude Revival ", the event that commemorates the history of this legendary route.
Did you know this circuit? Tell me in the comments!
We must remember pilots like Karl Recktenwald.
