In 2018, Tilke was commissioned with the planning of a new Formula E circuit in the picturesque city of Zurich, Switzerland.
The track stretched along Lake Zurich and into the city center. Hosting a Formula E race in Switzerland was a historic milestone, as it marked the first time since 1955 that an exception was made to the country’s ban on motor racing. This ban had been imposed following the tragic accident at Le Mans in 1955, which resulted in numerous fatalities.
The electric vehicles of Formula E, seen as pioneers of sustainable motorsport. However, great care was taken to ensure the safety of the street circuit. Tilke was responsible for the planning, as well as the supervision of construction and dismantling of all track elements and safety installations.
The project posed unique challenges, as the city streets remained open to public traffic until the very last day before the race. Approximately one-quarter of all safety installations had to be installed overnight, just before the event. Additionally, parts of the circuit ran over tram rails, which further complicated the process.
Despite these difficulties, the Formula E race in Zurich was a resounding success.
