Formula E Will Be The First Race Series In Switzerland In Over Sixty Years


Formula E Will Be The First Race Series In Switzerland In Over Sixty Years

In 1955 one of the most horrifying spectacles to ever occur in motorsports happened during Le Mans. Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR struck the back of Lance Macklin’s Healey, struck an earthen berm and went airborne, somersaulting, throwing parts and catching fire. The hood, engine block, and front suspension separated from the car and went straight into the crowd with devastating consequences. The Mercedes’ magnesium body caught fire, showering onlookers with burning metal. In total, the official numbers from the accident were 84 killed (including Levegh, who was thrown from the car and had his skull crushed) and at least 120 more injured. The shockwaves from the accident were felt around the world…the American Automobile Association closed down their Contest Board. Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz pulled out of circuit racing, not returning until the late 1980s. And numerous countries, including France, Spain, Germany and Switzerland, outright banned automobile racing altogether.

While racing has returned to most lands, Switzerland has maintained their ban on motorsports. In 2003 discussions were started in the Parliament in favor of lifting the ban, but the measure was defeated twice…effectively, it’s a permanent ban now. However, there is an inclusion in the way the law is written that allows local governments to permit a race, provided they meet strict criteria, and it’s this loophole that is allowing a Formula E race in either 2016 or 2017. Currently, there isn’t a determined location for the race to happen, but Formula E has typically used street courses. It’s a baby step, and an appropriate one that hopefully has positive outcomes for all involved.

(Courtesy: Autoblog)


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