Magny Cours

The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours stands as one of France's premier motorsport venues, located in the central part of the country near the small towns of Magny-Cours and Nevers. This racing facility sits approximately 250 kilometers south of Paris in the Nièvre department. The track combines technical challenges with high-speed sections, making it a distinctive circuit that has hosted numerous prestigious racing events throughout its history.

Birth and Early Development

The circuit's story began in 1959 when Jean Bernigaud, the mayor of Magny-Cours, envisioned a racing track for his town after visiting the Reims Grand Prix. His dream materialized in 1960 with the opening of a modest 510-meter karting track. By 1961, the facility expanded into the "Jean Behra Motor Stadium" with a 2-kilometer circuit. The track underwent significant improvements in 1969, including track widening and the construction of five grandstands. Further development in 1971 extended the circuit to 3.85 kilometers, setting the stage for its future prominence.

The Formula One Era

The circuit's transformation accelerated in 1986 when the regional government of Nièvre purchased the facility. A complete redesign in 1988 created the modern Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, which opened in 1989. This renovation prepared the track for Formula One racing, and in 1991, Magny-Cours hosted its first French Grand Prix. The circuit continued as the home of the French Grand Prix until 2008, with the final race marking the end of an era. During this period, the track underwent another redesign in 2003 to enhance racing conditions and spectator experiences.

Track Layout and Technical Characteristics

The Grand Prix circuit measures 4.411 kilometers (2.741 miles) with 17 turns and features an elevation change of approximately 30 meters. The track presents drivers with a technical challenge due to its variety of corners, many designed as replicas of turns from other famous circuits worldwide. High-speed chicanes with prominent kerbs characterize parts of the track, while long straightaways lead into sharp braking zones. The circuit includes two alternative layouts: the National Circuit (2.684 kilometers with 12 turns) and the Club Circuit (1.727 kilometers with 11 turns). Michael Schumacher holds the lap record of 1:15.377, set in a Ferrari F2004 during the 2004 Formula One season.

Major Racing Events

Beyond Formula One (1991-2008), Magny-Cours has hosted numerous international racing series. The Superbike World Championship has run at the circuit since 1991 (with some gaps), continuing to the present day. The track served as the venue for the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurance race from 2000 to 2014 and hosted the French motorcycle Grand Prix in 1992. GT racing maintains a strong presence with the GT World Challenge Europe and FFSA GT Championship. Other significant events include the World Sportscar Championship, World Touring Car Championship, FIA GT Championship, World Series by Renault, and Formula 3 Euroseries.

Legacy and Current Status

Magny-Cours holds special significance in racing history as the site where Michael Schumacher secured his fifth world title in 2002 and where he won a record eight times at the same circuit. The track has links to French motorsport development, having been home to the Winfield racing school that produced notable drivers including François Cevert, Jacques Laffite, and Didier Pironi. Today, the circuit continues as an active racing venue and training facility. The site includes a karting track, the Institut supérieur de l'automobile et des transports engineering college campus, and the Conservatoire de la monoplace française museum, preserving France's single-seater racing heritage.