European country lifts 71-year ban on circuit racing

The Swiss government has confirmed it lifted its ban on circuit racing, bringing an end to the 71-year-old law.

Motor racing was banned in the country after the tragic disaster at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, which resulted in the deaths of over 80 people.

Countries such as France, Germany and Spain also decided to temporarily shut down all motorsport activities after the disaster, but there the races returned once the circuits were made safer. 

In Switzerland, however, they went a step further as the ban was incorporated into national legislation.

The ban did not mean that all forms of motorsport disappeared as time trials, hillclimbs, rallies and motocross fell outside the law.

Despite the ban, Switzerland remained a hotbed for motorsports talent. The country produced two Formula One race winners: Jo Siffert and Clay Regazzoni. The latter almost became world champion in 1974 but had to concede defeat to Emerson Fittipaldi.

The Swiss also achieved great success in other racing classes. For example, Sébastien Buemi (four times), Marcel Fässler (three times) and Neel Jani (once) have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

Four years ago, the Swiss parliament already gave its approval to completely abolish the ban. On May 6, the Federal Council finally decided that the change in the law would take effect on July 1, 2026.

This does not mean, however, that Switzerland will soon be lobbying for an F1 race. 

The change in the law shifts decision-making power from the national government to the individual cantons. Those local authorities will continue to test motorsports events against strict safety standards and applicable environmental and noise requirements.

While it marks a breakthrough moment for the country, Switzerland has already taken tentative steps toward a return of international motorsport in recent years. 

Zurich and Bern hosted Formula E rounds in 2018 and 2019 respectively, after an exception was made in the law for electric cars in 2015. 

These events were seen as an important step toward the disappearance of the overall ban.