Who is the Owner of Ascari?
The Ownership of Ascari Race Resort
Nestled in the mountains near Ronda, Ascari Race Resort is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive private racing circuits. Designed for elite drivers, manufacturers, and serious car collectors, Ascari is as much a lifestyle destination as it is a motorsport facility.
The story of Ascari begins with Klaas Zwart, a Dutch oil-industry entrepreneur and passionate racing enthusiast. Zwart founded Ascari Cars and later developed the Ascari Race Resort, creating a circuit inspired by legendary corners from Formula 1 tracks around the world. While Ascari Cars ceased operations in 2010, Zwart retained ownership of the circuit itself for more than a decade.
In March 2022, a new chapter began when the racetrack was sold to international investors. The current owner is Francisco Fernández, a Swiss entrepreneur and founder of the cybersecurity firm Avaloq. The acquisition, reportedly valued at over €25 million, ensured Ascari’s continued development as a world-class private motorsport destination.
Ascari as a Lifestyle Destination for Car Collectors
Ascari attracts a highly specific audience: collectors who value discretion, performance, and refined surroundings. Ownership days, private testing, and exclusive events turn the circuit into a social and lifestyle hub for automotive connoisseurs rather than a conventional racetrack.
This profile naturally influences where Ascari members choose to live.
Ultra-Luxury Properties Near Ascari
For these enthusiasts, the best ultra-luxury properties lie within a short drive in Benahavís and Marbella.
La Zagaleta
Just under an hour from Ascari, La Zagaleta is one of Europe’s most prestigious residential estates. It is particularly popular among car collectors due to its privacy, security, and ability to accommodate bespoke garages, car lifts, and showroom-style spaces. Modern mansions like mansions like Villa Enso are ideal for cars collectors.
In Benahavis, branded residences like Lamborghini-inspired villas are designed to integrate automotive collections seamlessly into luxury living. The branded residences combine sleek architecture with bespoke garages and even private car lifts, enabling owners to showcase and preserve their collections in style.
Marbella Golden Mile
The Golden Mile of Marbella offers a different but equally appealing lifestyle. Large estates and contemporary villas provide expansive underground garages capable of housing extensive collections, while placing owners minutes from fine dining, beach clubs, and international events. This balance of glamour and functionality is especially attractive to collectors who divide their time between Ascari and Marbella’s social scene. Properties such as Villa Graciosa boast sprawling estates with garages capable of housing 8–15 vehicles, seamlessly blending Mediterranean elegance with functionality. These homes are designed for those who value both artistry and automotive passion.
Ronda and the Countryside
In Ronda, next to the circuit is Pachite, a small community of of very unique country estates that offer total tranquillity and immediate access to Ascari. These properties appeal to owners who prioritise proximity to the track and prefer a secluded, rural environment surrounded by nature.
Real Estate Perspective
At LuxuryForSale.Properties, we increasingly see Ascari-linked buyers seeking properties that go beyond traditional luxury. Large plots, custom-built garages, technical facilities, and absolute privacy are key criteria. The connection between motorsport lifestyle and ultra-prime real estate is now firmly established in southern Spain.
Final Thought
Ascari Race Resort is no longer just a racetrack—it is a magnet for a global elite whose lifestyle combines performance, design, and discretion. With ownership now under Francisco Fernández and demand stronger than ever, Ascari continues to shape a unique niche within the ultra-luxury real estate landscape of Marbella, Benahavís, and Ronda.