Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
Following the withdrawal of financial support by the French Motorsports Federation (FFSA), Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours has not been included in the 2010 Formula One Championship calendar.
Situated in France, the world renowned F1 French Grand Prix venue of Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, often referred to simply as Magny-Cours, the circuit has been hosting the Grand Prix since 1991. Located close to the towns of Nevers and Magny-Cours, the Magny-Cours F1 track attracts large crowds during the racing season, and with the region being a popular tourist destination in France, many spectators combine the event with some sightseeing.
Formula One’s Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours was originally built by Jean Bernigaud in 1960 on a section of land beside his farm. Bernigaud, along with Gerard Crombac and Jean Lucas, established a racing school at Magny-Cours race track, with famous F1 drivers such as Jacques Laffite, Patrick Depailler and Francois Cevert known to have trained there. As racing in France began to expand, Bernigaud saw the need to create an extension of two interconnected circuits totalling 2.39 miles. Sadly, Bernigaud passed away in November of 1971 before putting this into action. Magny-Cours circuit was thereafter managed by ASA Nivernais, and unfortunately by the 1980’s the track was in a bad condition.
The F1 circuit of Magny-Cours was later purchased by the Regional Conseil de la Nievre, and a project was set in place to revamp the circuit. Large amounts of money were invested in the track by interested parties, and the project included the construction of an industrial park, motor museum and 18-hole golf course.
The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours is now a top-class smooth circuit with excellent spectator facilities. In 1991 the French Grand Prix began being hosted at Magny-Cours Formula One track. The circuit is quite challenging as there are few opportunities for overtaking. Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours was witness to one of the greatest achievements in F1 – in 2006 Michael Schumacher was the first F1 driver to win a single Grand Prix 8 times. Races at Magny-Cours F1 track are always set to impress the crowds as are the fine facilities.