Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium -- Picture yourself behind the wheel of a powerful German sedan and attacking corners on one of the largest European race tracks with seasoned trainers teaching you advanced driving techniques. Well, this dream can become a reality with the AMG Driving Academy.
Created in 2007 by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, this unique driving school offers various programs for drivers of all backgrounds and experience levels. In fact, the name of each program -- Emotion, Basic, Advanced, Pro and Masters -- explicitly illustrates their level of difficulty and target customers, from beginners looking for extreme thrills to enthusiasts wanting to get the most out of their cars on a closed circuit to regular drivers aiming to improve their skills on the road.
Making the programs even more interesting is the fact that students have the opportunity to tackle some of the most famous racing venues in Europe, including Nürburgring Nordschleife (Germany) and Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), just to name a few.
Marquee trainers
The trainers at the AMG Driving Academy are all renowned drivers and multiple champions in Europe. The newest member of Chief Instructor Reinhold Renger’s staff is none other than "Mr. DTM", Bernd Schneider, 44, a popular German race car driver and five-time winner of the German touring car championship (Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft). Incidentally, he’s also a spokesman for AMG.
As far as I’m concerned, the legendary Belgian raceway in the fairy-like panorama of the Ardennes is where I experienced what life is like for the rich and famous… some of which are even participants at the academy. After all, the costs for attending one of the available training programs range from 285 to 2,385 Euros ($500 to $4,000 CA). And I’m not talking about the technical program on winter driving that’s even more expensive. It takes place in Arjeplog, Sweden, near the Arctic Circle.
The top-end Masters program, focused on competition driving, includes the Sports Trophy championship. The winner has the chance to drive the Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG from the DTM Championship!
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| The AMG Driving Academy offers several training programs on some of Europe’s most famous tracks. |
Created in 2007 by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, this unique driving school offers various programs for drivers of all backgrounds and experience levels. In fact, the name of each program -- Emotion, Basic, Advanced, Pro and Masters -- explicitly illustrates their level of difficulty and target customers, from beginners looking for extreme thrills to enthusiasts wanting to get the most out of their cars on a closed circuit to regular drivers aiming to improve their skills on the road.
Making the programs even more interesting is the fact that students have the opportunity to tackle some of the most famous racing venues in Europe, including Nürburgring Nordschleife (Germany) and Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), just to name a few.
Marquee trainers
The trainers at the AMG Driving Academy are all renowned drivers and multiple champions in Europe. The newest member of Chief Instructor Reinhold Renger’s staff is none other than "Mr. DTM", Bernd Schneider, 44, a popular German race car driver and five-time winner of the German touring car championship (Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft). Incidentally, he’s also a spokesman for AMG.
As far as I’m concerned, the legendary Belgian raceway in the fairy-like panorama of the Ardennes is where I experienced what life is like for the rich and famous… some of which are even participants at the academy. After all, the costs for attending one of the available training programs range from 285 to 2,385 Euros ($500 to $4,000 CA). And I’m not talking about the technical program on winter driving that’s even more expensive. It takes place in Arjeplog, Sweden, near the Arctic Circle.
The top-end Masters program, focused on competition driving, includes the Sports Trophy championship. The winner has the chance to drive the Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG from the DTM Championship!
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| Thomas Jäger, winner of the 2006 MINI Challenge, was the trainer assigned to our small group of Canadian journalists. |