By The Solitude circuit, titled in full Solitudering located near Stuttgart in Germany, is one of the nation’s oldest motorsport venues.
Since first holding competitive action in 1903, Solitude has gone onto become regarded as one of Germany’s all time great roads circuits.
In 1952, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1962 and 1964 the venue, hosted the West German round, of the Moto GP world championship.
Photo by Hemeyla Archief
Stars to be victorious around the heavily wooded 11.4 kilometres long roads circuit, included legends such as Geoff Duke, John Surtees CBE, Phil Read MBE, Ralph Bryans, Jim Redman MBE, Ray Amm, Gary Hocking and Luigi Taveri.
The last time Moto GP competition graced Solitude was back in 1964, which saw a crowd of in excess of 250,000 see 14 times TT winner Mike Hailwood, regarded by many as the best motorcycle racer of all time, victorious in the 500cc race.
A circuit, that rewarded a mix of been a superb late breaker into corners, having a robust riding style, bravery and extreme courage, reminded me in parts of Dundrod, home of the Ulster Grand Prix, in particular the high speed sectors.
In July this year, a revival meeting is scheduled at Solitude, which celebrates it’s unique place, in motorsport history in Germany.
Words by Stevie Rial
