The 134.8mph "Ring Racer", which features a pneumatic launch and reaches its top speed in just 2.5sec, is the main feature of a controversial new €250 million (£215 million) development that has sprung up in the two years since this undulating track nestling in the Eifel mountains last hosted a grand prix.
Frankly, it is hard to believe it will be ready on time. On Thursday, as grey skies that seemed to sum up the foreboding atmosphere swirling around this sport cast a long shadow over the paddock, diggers and cranes were still hard at work and the ride was being tested with crash test dummies instead of punters.