FPV Drone at the Nürburgring: Bernd Mayländer Drifting at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2016
At the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2016 at the Nürburgring, VR-Copter flew two drones: a cinema drone for the overview and an FPV drone right next to Bernd Mayländer, the Formula 1 safety car driver, as he drifted. It was one of the first FPV missions in an automotive production.
Project details
- Location: Nürburgring, Germany
- Project: Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2016
- Client / production: Mercedes-Benz / K hoch Drei
- Services: Aerial filming, FPV
- Shoot date: June 2016
Brief and execution
The highlight of the event were Bernd Mayländer’s drift runs. For the documentary they had to look as close and dynamic as possible – closer than a GPS camera drone can fly. So an FPV drone joined the Inspire, flown by FPV pilot Björn Dommershausen.
The FPV drone chased the drifting car through the smoke at a few metres, while the Inspire delivered calm overviews of the track and drift area. Both flew in windows agreed with event management. In 2016 FPV was brand new territory for commercial and event film – today it is a core part of what we offer.
Equipment and permits
DJI Inspire 1 with Zenmuse X3 in 4K for the aerials, FPV racing drone with GoPro HERO Session for the chase shots.
Flight operations with a take-off permit from Rhineland-Palatinate and the circuit operator’s clearance, coordinated with event management.
FAQ
What is the difference between an FPV drone and a camera drone?
An FPV drone is flown manually through video goggles, without GPS stabilisation, so it can chase fast cars at a few metres. A camera drone like the Inspire delivers calm, precise images from higher up.
Can you film drifting with a drone?
Yes – FPV right next to the car, the cinema drone for the overview. Agreed flight windows and distances to the car are what matter.
How much does an FPV drone shoot at the Nürburgring cost?
A shoot day with a drone crew starts at €1,300 net, with Inspire 3 and cinema setup from €2,900 net, and as a combined drone, FPV and car-to-car package from €3,900 net – each including pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination.
More projects
- Drone Nürburgring: all projects, permits and prices (German)
- 2015: aerials of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience
- All projects
Book an FPV drone for your automotive shoot
Phone +49 151 22840959 · info@vr-copter.de



