Circuit races in Switzerland (finally) possible again
In motorsport, it's often about hundredths of a second or even smaller time units, but in politics, the wheels grind much slower.
Back in 2022, we reported that the ban on circuit races in Switzerland had been lifted. At that time, the councils (National Council and Council of States) finally showed some understanding and removed the ban from the Road Traffic Act. The ban came in the wake of the devastating accident at Le Mans in 1955, when many spectators died. However, while other countries soon relaxed their restrictions, circuit races remained banned in Switzerland for decades. Repeated attempts were made, but these failed several times at the political level, for example in 2011.
However, the breakthrough finally came in 2022 . However, another four years passed before the Traffic Regulation Ordinance (VRV) could also be amended. This amendment will now come into force on July 1, 2026, meaning that the cantons will be responsible for approving these sporting events in future. When issuing permits, the cantons must ensure that safety standards are met and environmental protection requirements are taken into account.
So far so good, but there is only one existing permanent circuit in Switzerland, namely that of Lignières. And this is hardly suitable for large and fast racing events. Whether anyone will pluck up the courage to build a larger circuit because of the simplified licensing situation is unfortunately more than questionable. And a circuit race on public roads, e.g. in the city of Zurich (see picture above), will probably continue to be possible only in SimRacing due to the political situation ...
