Christian Wasserfallen: "The circuit ban is no longer legitimate" 🎥
INTERVIEW WITH FDP NATIONAL COUNCILOR Parliament will soon decide on a motion by FDP National Councilor Christian Wasserfallen to lift the ban on circuit racing in Switzerland. In an interview, the Bernese states the arguments.
The circuit ban and the exception for Formula E were the subject of a film report by the NZZ in the run-up to the E-Prix Zurich 2018.
This is not the first attempt to abolish the ban on circuit races imposed after the serious accident at Le Mans in 1955 after almost 67 years. Why should it now finally succeed in 2022?
Christian Wasserfallen: At its spring session, the National Council's transport committee decided on the revision of some articles in the Road Traffic Act. Therefore, this is now a good opportunity to also deal with SVG article 52 paragraphs 1 and 2 regarding the circuit racing ban. For the two Formula E races, an exceptional approval by the Federal Council was needed. However, it is nonsensical if other possible organizers would have to apply to the federal government for an exception each time, because the canton should actually be the licensing authority. In this day and age, safety concerns can no longer be cited as a reason, because nowhere is motorsport safer for participants and spectators than on circuits.
It wouldn't have to fail because of audience interest...
The Formula E races in Zurich and Bern were a hit with the public. In Hockenheim, for example, there are always countless Swiss fans in the stands and in the paddock. Unfortunately, Swiss drivers can never compete in races in their own country, which is practically tantamount to banning a sport or, in the case of professional drivers, a professional ban.
So you are confident that the application will be successful?
There is no longer any need or legitimacy for a ban that practically only exists in Switzerland worldwide. This old braid should be cut off. I think this realization is there and I hope that the National Council in the spring session and subsequently the Council of States will agree.
Don't you anticipate climate policy resistance?
Motorsport is becoming increasingly CO2-neutral. Each organizer must also clearly formulate an overall balance of such an event in the application and fulfill certain requirements, economically and environmentally. For example, that a public transport connection is guaranteed and that there is no excessive noise pollution. There are many criteria that must be met in a specific project. These are the responsibility of an organizer. After that, it is up to the cantons to grant or refuse approval.
Where should there be circuit races in Switzerland?
Races in cities, as with Formula E, are certainly not the model for the future, because they are very costly. I rather see abandoned airfields, disused army facilities or remote industrial areas as venues. Perhaps an investor will also dare to take on a circuit project once this legal article has finally been abolished. Everything should remain open. Let's look forward to what emerges.
What kind of races do you see? The DTM that you have already attended?
Yes, I like the DTM and the series around it, where many Swiss drivers always do well. The DTM is one of the most important series in Europe, a relatively big box. An ADAC GT Masters, one-make cups, TCR series, junior racing with formula cars, motorcycle racing, etc. would certainly lend themselves.
Would you advocate for it?
There have already been applications for such races, but because of other problems, they were abandoned. If, after the ban is lifted, there is a project ready to go ahead for an event in Switzerland, I would be happy to support it. If we are capable of staging Formula E, Tour de France stages or the Tour de Suisse in Switzerland, we can also organize a motorsport event.
