Montreux is one of the most famous towns in Switzerland, known for its almost
Mediterranean climate, although being located on the Eastern shores of Lake Geneva.
The chic city of Montreux will see a spectacular Ferrari-event on the weekend of June 22
to 23: The Montreux Grand Prix.
In 1934, Montreux was the site of an unusual motor race resembling the Monaco Grand
Prix since it was likewise held in the narrow streets of the town centre! In 1979, this event
was revived as a demonstration run for veteran, oldtimer and classic cars — a really
special event, especially for Switzerland, a country that totally banned motorsports in the
1950’s already. In 1990, at the peak of the Ferrari hausse, the Ferrari Club Switzerland
held its 20th anniversary meeting in Montreux, reviving the Montreux Grand Prix’s tradition
again by organising a Ferrari-only demonstration run.
In 2002, the Montreux Grand Prix will be held once again, and it will be (almost) a ”Ferrari
only” event again. Ferrari automobiles from all decades and a few Maserati will gather in
Montreux both to form a display as well as roaring through the narrow streets again on
the track of the former 1930’s race course. The organizing committee also includes
Philippe Meylan of the Club Ferrari Suisse (Ferrari Club Switzerland) and the well-known
collector René Maspoli, promising a great turnout of cars. Sunday will even see
demonstration runs of a Formula 1-cars and a 360 Challenge!
Saturday’s programme consists of an exposition of the participating Ferrari at Montreux’s
Place du Marché, starting at 13.30h, and of a gala event (”Soirée Ferrarissima”) at the
Montreux Palace in the evening.
Sunday will see the races, starting at 10.00h in various categories. The Formula One
demonstration will take part after lunch at 13.30h, and the event will be closed in the
afternoon with a parade of all participating Ferrari. The well-known Swiss automotive
historian and journalist Adriano Cimarosti will be the official speaker of the Montreux
Grand Prix.
A total of more than 120 cars have been entered in the event. Various very interesting
Ferrari have announced their participation: A 166 Spider Corsa, a 340 America Barchetta
Touring, a 250 GT Berlinetta LWB ”Tour de France”, a 250 GT SWB Competizione, 365
GTB/4 Daytona Competizione, a 360 Challenge, a 500/625 Formula 1, a 555
SuperSqualo, two 312 T4 Formula 1, a 412 T2 Formula 1 and an F1-2000. One will also
see a spectacular Alfa Romeo P3 (that was driven at Montreux in 1934 by Baron Felice
Trossi for team boss… Enzo Ferrari!), a Bugatti Type 51, a Maserati 6 CM, a Maserati 4
CL and a Maserati 250 F.
Most of the areas will be accessible free of charge. If you wish to reserve a combined
ticket for a seat on the VIP Grandstand and the ”Village Montreux Grand Prix” paddock for
80,-SFr in advance.
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