Nürburgring sold to Russian businessman Viktor Charitonin

The Nürburgring was sold to Capricorn Group and Getspeed earlier this year for a massive 77 million euros (approximately Rs. 595 crore), but this ownership didn't last too long, and the legendary 'Ring has reportedly changed hands again. The new owner is a Russian billionaire Viktor Kharitonin, who has already made the second and third due installments for the racetrack.

This came after the Capricorn Group was unable to come through with the installments, while their partner, Getspeed made the first 5 million euros (approximately Rs 38 crore) for the track. "This is a positive signal for operators, customers and employees," confirmed Pietro Nuvoloni, a spokesman for the insolvency administrator, while he was talking about the racetrack changing hands. He added that a company called NR Holding AG, involving "the Russian businessman Viktor Charitonin", has indeed taken over Capricorn's two thirds shareholding.

This comes as a relief to those who have a special place in their heart for the 'Ring. If the next payment wouldn't have come through, the track would have been shut down for good. This technical track has been famous and infamous at the same time, and is looked upon by professional racers as a great challenge.