Swiss Formula One Grand Prix
The Circuit Bremgarten, situated in an ancient forest near the city of Berne, hosted the Swiss Formula One Grand Prix between 1949 and 1955. The circuit was purpose-built for motor racing, and the Grand Prix only stopped being held there following the tragic accident at Le Mans in 1955 that claimed the lives of 83 spectators and injured another 120!. The fatal incedent has gone down in history, as one of the most deadly motorsport accidents of all time. From that day it resulted in the authorities banning motor racing on Swiss soil altogether, and despite numerous attempts to lift the ban, it still remains in place to this day.
Before that, Switzerland had been one of Europe's most enthusiastic motorsport countries, putting on numerous international car and motorcycle races over the years. The circuit itself follows an oval shape and, unusually there are no straights of any length throughout its 4.5 miles. It was a fast circuit and one which could be highly dangerous as it coursed through the landscape and the trees, because of sudden changes of light and an inconsistent surface that was especially difficult in wet weather conditions, the Circuit Bremgarten was an almighty challenge of bravery and skill for the drivers. |
CIRCUIT BREMGARTEN
LOCATION: Bremgarten, Berne, Switzerland
CIRCUIT TYPE: Permanent parkland circuit
CIRCUIT LENGHT: 4.52 Miles
LAP RECORD: 2:39.700 - JM.Fangio 1954
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