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Magny-Cours

1961-1970 | 1971-1980 | 1981-1988 | 1989-91 | 1991-2002 | Current circuit

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Circuit info:

Address:: Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
5840 Magny Cours
France
France
PH:: (33) 86 58 17 33
Fax:: (33) 86 21 20 28
Circuit length:: 2.741 miles/4.411 km
Circuit type:: Permanent road course

Circuit history:

Magny-Cours arose (alomost literally) from nowhere, rising from a small national racing circuit to one of the world's premier facilities seemingly overnight.

Founded 1960 as the Circuit Jean Behra, it was initially a short 1.21 miles blast, the brainchild of local farmer Jean Bernigaud who created the track on land next to his farm. The circuit flourished and its Winfield racing school, established in 1963, soon became world famous after churning out the majority of France's GP winners in 1970s and '80s.

A new loop was added in 1971, forming two inter-connected circuits and bringing the total lap distance up to 2.39 miles.

In the mid 1980s the regional government decided to invest in the circuit, which was in the home province of the President Mitterand. The new circuit Nevers Magny-Cours was designed to become the new home of the French Grand Prix, wresting it away from Paul Ricard. Included in the new facilities was a thriving industrial estate for racing companies, including units for the ORECA team and factories for Martini Cars and Ligier.

The new circuit opened in 1989, based loosely on the old but incorporating corners that were facsimilies of others from tracks around the world.

Impressive in many respects, the circuit is now one of the most used around the world, hosting rounds of many of the major car racing championships. It also briefly held the 500cc, 250cc and 125cc FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix races in 1992, before a switch back to Le Mans. The World Superbike Championship has, however, included Magny-Cours on its calendar for the past few years.

Driver and rider reaction to the layout has been mixed; some like it, others detest the place. All, however, agree that it presents a challenge and even offers at least one genuine overtaking spot.