Drone Operator Nürburgring: Mercedes Driving Experience 2015

For the event documentary of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2015 at the Nürburgring, VR-Copter flew the aerials: track, paddock and the vehicle fleet from above, commissioned by the event agency K hoch Drei.

Project details

Location: Nürburgring, Germany
Project: Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2015
Client / production: Mercedes-Benz / K hoch Drei
Services: Aerial filming for the event documentary
Shoot date: 15–16 June 2015

Brief and execution

At the Driving Experience, customers drive the current Mercedes-Benz fleet on track, coached by instructors. The documentary had to show what you cannot see from the ground: the scale of the circuit, the paddock operations and the cars in motion.

We flew on two days in coordination with event management, between driving sessions and over closed-off areas – overviews and camera moves without disrupting the event. A year later we were back for the next edition, then with FPV as well.

Equipment and permits

DJI Inspire 1 with Zenmuse X3 in 4K.

Flight operations with a take-off permit from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and the circuit operator’s clearance. Today the EU drone regulation applies; coordination with the operator and the air rescue service at the circuit is still part of it.

FAQ

Can you fly a drone at the Nürburgring?

Yes, with the circuit operator’s clearance, insurance and the right permit for the operating category. At the Nürburgring, coordination with the rescue helicopter is also essential – VR-Copter handles it.

Is a drone a good fit for documenting driving events?

Yes. Aerials show the scale of the track and the event and lift an event film noticeably. With fixed flight windows it runs alongside the programme.

How much does a drone operator cost for a shoot at the Nürburgring?

A shoot day with a drone crew starts at €1,300 net, with Inspire 3 and cinema setup from €2,400 net, and as a combined drone, FPV and car-to-car package from €3,900 net – each including pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination.