Finally: Switzerland allows car racing! 5 proposals for a GP
1.6.2022
Translation: machine translated
The Council of States has lifted the almost 70-year ban on circuit races in Switzerland. This clears the way for a Formula 1 GP Switzerland. Five suggestions for where this could take place.
The Council of States voted 27 to 15 in favor of allowing circuit races again in the future - also for vehicles with combustion engines. This means that a ban that had been in place since 1955 will be lifted. No one expects Switzerland to hold Formula 1 races now, said FDP president and Council of States member Thierry Burkart. But that would work out wonderfully, in my opinion. Five suggestions on how Switzerland could fit in well alongside the new races on the petrodollar-financed circuits of Bahrain, Abu Dhabi or Jeddah.
GP of Lengnau
With a Grand Prix in his place of residence, "Mister Auto" Thierry Burkart could create a monument for himself. The sleepy Aargau community would be the venue of the first village circuit of Formula 1. The start-finish straight leads directly past Thierry Burkart's house, the FDP president could open the race as ambassador from the window of his home office and end it with the checkered flag.
Facts and Figures GP Lengnau
Type: Village course with tight curves
Length: 1,5 km (with a lot of luck)
VIP Catering: Restaurant Krone, speciality "Key West pork cordon bleu" for 25.50 francs
Ambassador: Thierry Burkart
GP of Bern
The last Grand Prix in Switzerland took place in 1954 in Bremgarten near Bern. Keep up the tradition! Who says Bernese are slow? The paddock and pit lane on the grounds of the Reitschule would put an end to the left-wing autonomous meeting place in downtown Bern. First rubber shot, then rubber tires. After the race, the Reitschule could then be converted into airy lofts. Because the cobblestones in the city are not ideal, certain alleys would have to be leveled. There will be a small dispute with the heritage protection, but hey, for the big Formula 1 circus, old roads have to be asphalted.
Facts and Figures GP Bern
Type: Capital city circuit
Special sector: Fountain on the Bundesplatz (are intermediates worth it?)
VIP grandstand: Directly above the Bärengraben
Ambassador: Reto Nause, Bernese environment and security pope
GP to Zermatt
From 2022, the ski circus will stop in Zermatt. Why not use the track for a Grand Prix? For the first time, nail tires will be used on snow, a first in Formula 1. To gain speed uphill, DRS is likely to be used there all the time. The jump in the lower third is spectacular. Advantage for Red Bull! (gives wings)
Facts and Figures GP Zermatt
Type: Snow course
Height above sea level: 3899 m
VIP grandstand: Matterhorn
Ambassador: Bernhard Russi and Pirmin Zurbriggen
GP Gottardo
When the two Gotthard road tunnels are open to traffic in ten years' time, a Formula 1 race on the Easter weekend would be the obvious choice. This would break two records at once: longest Formula 1 race and longest Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard. The high-speed route through the two tubes would only offer opportunities for overtaking at the two portals, as the tunnels are single-lane.
Facts and Figures GP Gottardo
Type: Tunnel course
Length: 35 km
VIP grandstand: Car roof in traffic jam
Ambassador: Doris Leuthard, chief tunnel builder
GP Sechseläuten
The beautiful and rich people of Zurich are already here, so why not chase Formula 1 down the Limmatquai? The highlight: the Grand Prix lasts until the Böögg's head explodes. The highlight is the lap around the Böögg, next to the mounted guilds. Disadvantage: women are not allowed, in keeping with the tradition of the Zurich guilds.
Facts and Figures GP Sechseläuten
Type: Spring race
VIP grandstand: Limmatquai (men only), aperitif in the NZZ office with a free view of the action
Duration: As long as the Böögg burns
Ambassador: Böögg, sponsored and inspired by the Michelin manikin
After these breathtaking tracks, does Thierry Burkhardt still think there won't be a Formula 1 race in Switzerland anytime soon? I like to doubt it. For all those who can't wait until Bern's city center is paved or the second Gotthard tunnel is built, there's "F1 2022" on PC and console in a month's time - with all the teams and tracks of the current season.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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