German Grand Prix 1956 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Juan Manuel Fangio delivered a masterclass at the Nürburgring, conquering the fearsome Nordschleife with a dominant victory that moved him within reach of a fourth World Championship. The Argentine champion controlled the race from the front, demonstrating the supreme skill required to master the 14-mile circuit's 170-plus corners through the Eifel mountains. Stirling Moss finished second for Maserati, while Jean Behra claimed third, both unable to match Fangio's pace.

The Nürburgring's legendary difficulty made Fangio's victory particularly impressive, as the circuit demanded absolute concentration, intimate knowledge of every corner and elevation change, and the courage to push at the limit for over two hours of racing. Fangio's smooth, precise driving style suited the Nordschleife perfectly, allowing him to carry momentum through the endless sequence of fast, blind corners while preserving his Ferrari's mechanical components. His victory added to his growing legend at a circuit that would witness his greatest performance the following year.

Fangio's points haul from the German victory essentially secured his fourth World Championship, though mathematical confirmation would wait for the Italian Grand Prix. At 45 years old, he showed no signs of slowing down, adapting to Ferrari's Lancia-Ferrari D50 with the same mastery he had demonstrated with Mercedes. For his rivals, Fangio's Nürburgring triumph reinforced the uncomfortable truth that age had not diminished his genius.