New Bremgarten Street Circuit – Bern

When was the track built?

The original 7.28km layout has been used from 1931 for motorcycle racing with the first Swiss Grand Prix for cars taking place in 1934.
It has been used also after the war for Formula 1, with titled races from 1950 to 54.
After the Le Mans disaster in 1955, motorsport was banned in the country until 2018.
With the law changed and with Formula 1 making easier and more affordable to host a GP, the area will be used again from the 2023 season, thanks to a new layout, designed by me, which uses other roads inside the forest.
It complies with the highest safety standards, even if the impact on the forest has been kept to the minimum; roads will be widened and surrounded by the most modern barriers.

When was its first Grand Prix?

In 1950, on the original layout, a race dominated by Alfa Romeo, which took the first three positions in qualifying, with Fangio, Farina and Fagioli, and completed a one-two victory with the two Italians only due to engine issues for the Argentinian.
It will rotate with Montenegro the 28^th spot in the F1 European Series calendar.

What’s the circuit like?

The first sector has 3 chicanes, one natural and two built on purpose, interposed between straight sections that also feature significant elevations changes as the track climbs up in the forest and pitch down towards the river.
The wood section is also characterized by the same climbs and slopes as the circuit unravels among the trees. Here drivers will get the old-school feel, but overtaking is also possible.
In the final bit, a couple of newly designed slow corners will allow the safe return to the city roads, where the long main straight is located.
Overall, the circuit mixes well the recall to the origins of Formula One and the need for modern standards and heavy braking zones to facilitate wheel-to-wheel action.

Where is it located?

In the Bremgarten forest, in the north part of Bern, surrounded by the Aar river, around 20km north of the airport. (+ 46°56’58”, + 7°24’34”)