Bernina GT: High-alpine racing pleasure 🎥
SECOND HISTO-MOUNTAIN RACE IN 2020 Two weeks after Arosa, the second and last Swiss mountain race, the Bernina GT, is on the schedule. The favorite here is also Thomas Amweg in the Martini F2. The ambiance of the event in the Bernina region is unique. The video shows that it is not only about driving, but also about enjoying. The [...]
The ambiance of the event in the Bernina region is unique. The video shows that it is not only about driving, but also about enjoying.
The Bernina Gran Turismo has enjoyed an international reputation for years and is considered one of the best events of its kind in the world. The mountain race goes back to the legendary Bernina Race, which took place during the International St. Moritz Automobile Weeks in 1929 and 1930. The winners of the day back then were Hans Stuck (1929) and Louis Chiron (1930).
This year's poster, designed by Marcia Obermayer, features Hans-Joachim Stuck on the very 1928 Austro Daimler that drove to first place with his father in 1929. "Strietzel" was thus one of the attractions in 2019.
Graubünden holds the flag high
In 2020, unfortunately, numerous motorsport events around the world had to be canceled. Not, however, the only two mountain races for historic racing cars in the canton of Graubünden. Thus, despite the extraordinary circumstances by Covid-19, the Bernina Gran Turismo will also take place two weeks after the Arosa ClassicCar - of course, in compliance with the current protective covenants.
Officially, no spectators are allowed. However, along the mountain race course from La Rösa in the Puschlav to the Bernina Pass, they are allowed to stay freely like all hikers and watch the race action from a safe distance.
Full field despite cancellations
The starting field is fully booked with 80 vehicles. At first, numerous interested parties had to cancel. In the last few weeks, some drivers from the waiting list joined the starting field after several participants had to pass due to the current travel restrictions.
Registrations already received from the USA, Australia, South Africa and India will therefore be postponed until 2021. However, with participants from Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria, Bernina GT 2020 will remain an international event that attracts worldwide attention.
Kessel has to pass, Amweg moves up
The varied yet international field includes, as every year, high quality vehicles of all classes. Please see the gallery with photos from today's vehicle acceptance in front of the Hotel Kempinski in St. Moritz.
Due to the clash of dates with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he looks after GT cars of Ferrari customers, last year's winner Ronnie Kessel (on Ensign F1) is not in the running this time. Thomas Amweg, who was initially on the waiting list, has moved into the role of favorite from the Competition class, which is running on top time.
After his fifth stage win in Arosa, the man from Aargau at the wheel of the Martini-BMW F2 provided by Phimmoracing is now also aiming for triumph at the Bernina. Since Roger Moser in another Martini-BMW F2 has cancelled as his supposed only competitor in the race cars, Amweg is the lone favorite.
In addition, four Porsche 911 RSR, two Alfa Romeo GTA and one each Shelby Cobra, Ford Mustang, Aston Martin and BMW Schnitzer 2002 in the race for best time.
The large field of participants driving for uniformity or simply for fun is top-class, with several thoroughbred racing cars from the pre- and post-war period. One of the most interesting is ex-GP driver Arturo Merzario on an Abarth 2000.
Livestream for those at home
On Saturday, there will be two practice runs in the morning and two race runs in the afternoon. Two more will follow on Sunday morning.
To be there at least virtually, the organizer offers motorsport fans and classic car enthusiasts a livestream. When and where this can be seen can be found on the organizer's homepage.
