Switzerland removes 71-year prohibition on circuit racing.

      Switzerland has officially removed its 71-year prohibition on circuit racing, marking the end of one of the most peculiar restrictions in global motorsport. The Swiss government announced this week that racing on permanent circuits will once again be permitted starting July 1. This ban had been in place since the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 83 spectators and driver Pierre Levegh.

      "The decision has been made, pursuant to the terms of the amendment ... to lift the ban on circuit racing," stated the official ordinance.

      L’Equipe highlighted that Switzerland has been contemplating this decision for several years, with parliamentary efforts dating back to 2010. The new regulations are cautious rather than a complete reopening.

      According to the Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, race permits will now be issued by individual cantons, which must still assess "noise, environmental, and safety impacts" on a case-by-case basis. The report further indicated that "it is hard to envision an immediate return of major international events or the speedy establishment of permanent racetracks."

      The possibility of a Swiss Grand Prix, for the time being, remains more of a suggestion than a tangible opportunity. Il Sole pointed out that Switzerland continues to be "an all-Swiss anomaly," prohibiting circuit racing while simultaneously hosting significant motorsport activities, including the Audi F1 team in Hinwil.

      In 2015, the country had already made a partial concession by establishing a special exception for electric racing, permitting Formula E events in Zurich and Bern in 2018 and 2019. However, both races eventually came to an end due to logistical challenges, political pushback, and local opposition.

      "The norm changes," Il Sole concluded, "but the context remains unchanged."