Racing on the Smallest Circuit in the World

On the shores of Lake Lugano lies Campione d’Italia, the only Italian exclave, an “oasis” of the Province of Como entirely surrounded by Swiss territory. From September 4 to 7, 2025, it hosted the first historic re-enactment of the Campione d’Italia Circuit which once saw sports cars of the 1930s and 1940s compete and was known as the smallest racetrack in the world, measuring only 1,116 meters in length.
At the close of summer on Lake Ceresio, a wide array of cars from every era and category—from the 1930s to today—were present: Bugatti, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, MG, Bentley, Lagonda, and Jaguar, as well as Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, and a large number of road-going Dallara models.
Some particularly remarkable vehicles also took part: five Formula cars, including the Brabham Cosworth BT24-3 F1, Graham Hill’s Shadow DN1 3A, and the Arrows A1 once driven by former Formula One driver Riccardo Patrese; several 1950s go-karts; 22 vintage motorcycles; and six historic boats, primarily Riva motorboats.
“On the first day, the drivers arrived in Campione for a welcome reception. The event then moved into full swing in nearby Lugano, Switzerland, with a parade through the city’s main squares”, explained the organizers. The evening concluded with a gala dinner at the Campione Casino, a unique building designed by architect Mario Botta and inaugurated in 2007, spanning nine floors and 55,000 square meters.
On Saturday, September 7, the official re-enactment of the Circuit began. The 100 cars were divided into seven groups based on age and category. The event continued until sunset, with the cars parading along the illuminated lakefront, culminating in the “crowning” of the 1978 Arrows A/1 as Best in Show.