Fast cars are one of the most visible German gifts to the world and present a chicken-egg conundrum: which came first, the Autobahn or the immensely fast German car? Motorsport is an immensely popular among spectators in Germany, and Berlin presents some opportunities to rev up the car yourself. The race circuits used for Formula One, the German Touring Car Championship, and the Motorcycle Grand Prix are also available to be driven privately – at a cost. The most convenient of these tracks is EuroSpeedway Lausitz (www.eurospeedway.de), Germany’s newest racetrack, 120km south of Berlin. Opened in 2000, it is one the world’s largest motorsports facilities, with seven different track variations. Professional races are often held here, but between these you can attend Racecar Driving School
(0180 5880 288).

Car enthusiasts who don’t live and die by adrenaline should check out some of the museums in Germany that illustrate Germany’s illustrious heritage: Volkswagen’s ‘transparent factory’ in Dresden (www.glaesernemanufaktur.de), the Audi forums in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (www.museummobile.de), BMW World in Munich (www.bmw-welt.com), and the child-friendly Autostadt in Wolfsgang (www.autostadt.de) are all good bets. A quirkier twist on this sport is the Historic Motorcar races arranged by Classic Wheels (www.berlin-classics.de) in Zehlendorf.