The Syracuse Grand Prix Circuit, located in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy, was a historic road course used primarily for non-championship Formula One races. The circuit hosted the Syracuse Grand Prix from 1951 to 1967, with notable winners like John Surtees and Jim Clark. The track was approximately 5.6 km (3.5 miles) long and featured 11 turns. After the Grand Prix ended, a smaller permanent circuit was built within the original layout.
It closed after the 1967 race due to declining interest in non-championship Formula One events. As the Formula One World Championship gained prominence, these non-championship races became less relevant, leading to smaller fields and reduced spectator engagement. Eventually, the circuit transitioned to hosting smaller events on a permanent track built within the original layout.
Safety concerns likely played a role in the closure. As cars became faster and more powerful, the risks associated with racing on older circuits, especially street circuits like Syracuse, increased significantly. These tracks often lacked modern safety features such as adequate run-off areas, barriers, and protective fencing, which are now standard in motorsport.
As with every explore we did in Sicily you walk and walk out. The easiest place we have every visited.
It closed after the 1967 race due to declining interest in non-championship Formula One events. As the Formula One World Championship gained prominence, these non-championship races became less relevant, leading to smaller fields and reduced spectator engagement. Eventually, the circuit transitioned to hosting smaller events on a permanent track built within the original layout.
Safety concerns likely played a role in the closure. As cars became faster and more powerful, the risks associated with racing on older circuits, especially street circuits like Syracuse, increased significantly. These tracks often lacked modern safety features such as adequate run-off areas, barriers, and protective fencing, which are now standard in motorsport.
As with every explore we did in Sicily you walk and walk out. The easiest place we have every visited.