The original Oesterreichring was one of the most magnificent circuits in the world; A 3.6 miles ribbon of tarmac that swept through the Styrian mountains. The race witnessed some epic battles over the years that were worthy of the race's breathtaking setting.

Vittorio Brambilla famously took his only Grand Prix win in 1975, crashing on the run down lap after taking his hands off the wheel to celebrate. Seven years later Elio de Angelis won Lotus' final grand prix with Colin Chapman at the helm before the great innovator died.

The race was left off the calendar for the 1988 season after safety concerns finally caught up with the grand old track. The Austrian GP returned to the calendar for 1997 with a track built on the site of the old Oesterreichring. Jacques Villeneuve won that inaugural race after Jarno Trulli had caused a shock by leading the opening laps for Prost.