France: Magny-Cours Track Facts

By Phil Huff
June 30 2005

The Circuit de Nevers is located in Burgundy, the geographic heartland of France and has been home to the French Grand Prix since 1991.

Although drivers and fans alike often describe the track as modern and bland, it has had its fair share of exciting races over the years - notably the wet race in 1999.

The nine-turn circuit is blessed with a smooth surface and boasts generous run-off areas, although its twisty layout means that overtaking possibilities in dry conditions have traditionally been limited to the slow Adelaide hairpin. The race organisers tried to answer that criticism by replacing the final chicane and increasing the run off area at the final Lycee turn two years ago, but with limited success.

Lap times vary noticeably at Magny-Cours depending on the ambient temperature. In common with other tight circuits, Formula One cars are set up to race with high levels of downforce, without completely compromising straight-line speed.

Honda-powered drivers dominated the French Grand Prix for four years, Nigel Mansell taking victory in 1986/1987 and Alain Prost in 1988/1989. Honda has been on the podium in France a total of 11 times.