Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours explained
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours is a motor racing circuit located in central France, near the towns of Magny-Cours and Nevers, some from Paris and from Lyon.[1]
It staged the Formula One French Grand Prix from 1991 (succeeding Circuit Paul Ricard) to 2008, and the 24-hour Bol d'Or motorcycle endurance events from 2000 to 2014 (succeeded by Circuit Paul Ricard). It hosted the French motorcycle Grand Prix in 1992, and the Superbike World Championship in 1991 and annually since 2003.
Magny-Cours has hosted several additional international championships, like the World Sportscar Championship, World Touring Car Championship, FIA GT Championship, World Series by Renault and Formula 3 Euroseries. Also, the FFSA GT Championship has visited the circuit since 1997.
A campus of the French engineering college Institut supérieur de l'automobile et des transports is also located on the circuit, as well as the museum Conservatoire de la monoplace française.
History
Commonly dubbed Magny-Cours, it was built in 1960 by Jean Bernigaud and was home to the prestigious Winfield racing school (École de Pilotage Winfield), which produced drivers such as François Cevert, Jacques Laffite and Didier Pironi. The circuit was opened on 7 August 1960.[2] However, in the 1980s the track fell into disrepair and was not used for international motor racing until it was purchased by the Conseil Départemental de la Nièvre in 1986.
In the 1990s, the Ligier Formula One team and its successor Prost were based at the circuit and did much of their testing at Magny-Cours.
The circuit hosted the French Formula One Grand Prix from 1991 until 2008, and the Bol d'Or from 2000 until 2014.
The circuit was re-designed in 2003 and used for a wide range of events include various sports and commercial use.[1] For the 2003 French Grand Prix, the final corner and chicane were changed in an effort to increase overtaking, with little effect.
Michael Schumacher was able to win the 2004 French Grand Prix using an unprecedented four-stop strategy.
In 2006, Michael Schumacher became the first driver ever to win any single Formula One Grand Prix a total of 8 times and at the same circuit.
Bernie Ecclestone originally confirmed that F1 would not return to Magny-Cours in 2008, instead moving to an alternative location possibly in Paris. However in a striking U-turn, it was revealed that the 2008 French Grand Prix would take place at Magny-Cours with the release of the official calendar in July 2007.[3]
In May 2008, Ecclestone confirmed that Magny-Cours would stop hosting the French Grand Prix after the 2008 race, suggesting that he was looking into the possibility of hosting the French Grand Prix on the streets of Paris.[4] The venue suffered from poor attendances due to its remote location, poor access and insufficient accommodation.[5]
In June 2008, the provisional calendar for the 2009 season was released, and a French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours appeared on it, scheduled for 28 June. However, in October 2008 the 2009 French Grand Prix was cancelled after the French Motorsports Federation (FFSA) withdrew financing for the event. In 2009 the track hosted its first Superleague Formula event. It also hosted a second event in 2010.[6]
The circuit was used as part of stage three of the 2014 Paris–Nice cycling race,[7] with the peloton completing almost a full lap of the circuit – in the reverse direction to its motorsport use – before the finish on the front straight.
The circuit
The track nowadays is a smooth circuit with good facilities for the teams, although restricted access prevents spectators from reaching many parts of the circuit. Unusually, many corners are modelled on famous turns from other circuits, and are named after those circuits, i.e.. the fast Estoril corner (turn 3), the Adelaide hairpin (turn 5) and the Nürburgring and Imola chicanes (turns 7 and 12 respectively). It has a mix of slow hairpins and high-speed chicane sections which includes a long fast straight into the first-gear Adelaide hairpin, the best overtaking opportunity on the circuit.[1] The circuit is very flat with negligible change in elevation (only a small valley at the Estoril corner and a slight hill near the Lycee corner).
The circuit provides few overtaking opportunities, despite modifications in 2003, which means the races here are commonly regarded as quite uneventful.[8] Formula 1 races at Magny-Cours tend to have a processional nature, with most overtaking occurring during pit stop sequences.
More varied racing occurs when it rains, such as in the 1999 race, which was interrupted by a downpour. After a restart, most top contenders developed problems, which paved the way for Heinz-Harald Frentzen to claim a surprising victory in his Jordan.
Although the Bol d'Or 24-hour motorcycle endurance race was held at Magny-Cours for several years, it returned to the more popular Circuit Paul Ricard in 2015, which held the mentioned race before Magny-Cours.
Events
- Current
- Former
- Alpine Elf Europa Cup (2020–2023)
- Auto GP (2003, 2007, 2009–2010)
- British Formula 3 International Series (2010)
- EuroBOSS Series (2005, 2010)
- Eurocup Mégane Trophy (2007, 2010)
- European Touring Car Championship (2001–2004)
- European Touring Car Cup (2016)
- FIA European Formula 3 Championship (1978–1984)
- FIA GT Championship (2000–2005)
- FIA Sportscar Championship (1999–2002)
- FIM Endurance World Championship
- Formula 3 Euro Series (2003–2004, 2007)
- Formula 750 (1975)
- Formula One
- Formula Renault 3.5 Series (2007, 2010)
- Formula Renault Eurocup (1993–1996, 2000–2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2020)
- Formula Renault V6 Eurocup (2003–2004)
- French Formula Renault Championship (1971–1973, 1975–1987, 1989–2009)
- French Formula Three Championship (1964–1973, 1978–1987, 1989–2002)
- French Supertouring Championship (1976–1987, 1989–1990, 1992–1994, 1997–2005)
- GP2 Series (2005–2008)
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing
- GT4 European Cup (2007, 2010)
- International Formula 3000 (1992–1996, 1999–2004)
- International GT Open (2006–2011)
- Italian Superturismo Championship (2005–2006)
- International Touring Car Championship (1995–1996)
- Porsche Carrera Cup France (1991–1995, 1998–2010, 2012–2015, 2017–2023)
- (2013)
- Porsche Supercup (1993–1997, 2000, 2003–2008)
- Racecar Euro Series (2009, 2011)
- Sidecar World Championship (1992, 2003, 2010)
- Superleague Formula (2009–2010)
- Trofeo Maserati (2003–2004)
- World Series by Nissan (2000–2004)
- World Sportscar Championship
- Championnat du Monde de Voitures de Sport (1991–1992)
- World Touring Car Championship
Lap records
The official lap record for the current Grand Prix circuit layout is 1:15.377, set by Michael Schumacher during the 2004 French Grand Prix, while the unofficial all-time track record is 1:13.698, set by Fernando Alonso in the qualifying of aforementioned race.[9] As of September 2023, the fastest official race lap records at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours are listed as:
Weather and climate
The Nevers area has an oceanic climate that is still influenced by its far inland position. With a yearly precipitation of over on average, Magny-Cours is theoretically prone to rain affecting proceedings, although in the Formula One era, it often evaded the rainfall. There was one notable exception, when both the qualifying and the race of 1999 saw a fully wet track. With the Grand Prix being held in the middle of summer, tyre wear through high asphalt temperatures was possible. Magny-Cours' main event post-Grand Prix era, Superbike World Championship is being held in autumn and as a result sees colder temperatures.
External links
Notes and References
- News: Magny-Cours . race-game.org . 2006 . 2009-11-16 . 2012-02-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120207094929/http://www.race-game.org/tracks/magny.htm . dead.
- Web site: History of the Circuit . 8 January 2023 . 21 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220721095553/https://www.circuitmagnycours.com/en/historic/ . dead .
- News: FIA reveals 18-race calendar for 2008 . formula1.com . 2007-07-27 . 2007-07-27 . 2007-09-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070930202805/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/7/6548.html . live .
- News: Motor racing-No 2009 French GP at Magny-Cours, says Ecclestone . uk.reuters.com . 2008-05-12 . 2008-05-25 . 2008-07-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080719202623/http://uk.reuters.com/article/motorSportsNews/idUKL1258523920080512 . live.
- News: Ecclestone: No more races at Magny-Cours . autosport.com . 2008-05-12 . 2015-09-07 . 2015-07-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150714210230/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/67384 . live .
- Web site: 12 races on the 2010 Superleague Formula by Sonangol schedule . 2010-01-12 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100115070430/http://www.superleagueformula.com/superleague/News-Media/News-archive/12-races-on-the-2010-Superleague-Formula-by-Sonangol-schedule . 2010-01-15.
- Web site: Stage 3: Toucy to Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours . . . 11 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140309174412/http://www.letour.com/paris-nice/2014/us/stage-3.html . 9 March 2014 . dead . dmy-all.
- News: French Grand Prix . bbc.co.uk . 29 June 2007 . 16 November 2009 . 18 June 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200618023907/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/circuit_guide/4250889.stm . live.
- Web site: Magny-Cours - Motor Sport Magazine . . 8 January 2023.
- Web site: 2007 Formula Renault 3.5 Series Magny-Cours Race 2 Statistics . 23 September 2007 . 2 January 2023.
- Web site: 2009 Magny-Cours Euroseries 3000 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210615205241/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2009-magny-cours-euro-f3000-2/ . . 27 June 2009 . 15 June 2021 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: 2004 Formula Nissan Magny-Cours (Race 1) . 23 May 2004 . 13 May 2024.
- Web site: 2011 F2 Round 4 Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210510182653/https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2011_Round_4/F2/ . 15 May 2011 . 10 May 2021 . 10 May 2021 . live.
- Web site: Ultimate Cup Series Magny-Cours 16-18 Octobre 2020 Challenge Proto / Challenge CN 4H Endurance Final Classification . 17 October 2020 . 2 January 2023.
- Web site: 2007 F3 Euro Series Magny-Cours Race 2 Statistics . 1 July 2007 . 6 June 2024.
- Web site: 2020 Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Magny-Cours Race 1 Statistics . 12 September 2020 . 10 September 2023.
- Web site: World SBK 2023 Pirelli French Round, 8-10 September 2023 Results Tissot Superpole Race . World Superbike . . 10 September 2023 . 10 September 2023.
- Web site: Ultimate Cup Series Magny-Cours October 7-9 2022 Coupe Kennol GT Endurance 4H Endurance Final Classification . 8 October 2022 . 2 January 2023.
- Web site: Formula Le Mans Magny Cours 2009 . 20 September 2009 . 8 January 2023.
- Web site: Formula Le Mans 2009 standings . 8 January 2023.
- Web site: FIA GT Championship Magny-Cours 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220104220314/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-2003-04-27.html . 27 April 2003 . 4 January 2022 . 31 March 2021 . live.
- Web site: 2010 Round 4: Magny-Cours - Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 - Race 2 (25' +1 lap) - Final Classification . 20 June 2010 . 6 June 2024.
- Web site: 2021 Porsche Cup France Magny-Cours (Race 1) . 8 May 2022 . 30 October 2022.
- Web site: 2021 F4 France Magny-Cours 2 Race 1 Statistics . 23 October 2021 . 6 June 2024.
- Web site: World SSP Pirelli French Round, 8-10 September 2023 Results Race 2 . World Superbike . . 10 September 2023 . 10 September 2023.
- Web site: International GT Open Magny-Cours 2009 . 20 September 2009 . 2 January 2023.
- Web site: International GT Open - Super GT 2009 standings . 3 January 2023.
- Web site: FIA GT Championship Magny-Cours 2004 . 2 May 2004 . 31 March 2021 . 4 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220104213617/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-2004-05-02.html . live.
- Web site: Benelux Magny-Cours 2019 . 21 April 2019 . 2 January 2023.
- Web site: 2017 French Formula 4 Magny-Cours (Race 2) . 10 September 2017 . 26 May 2024.
- Web site: FIA GT Championship Magny-Cours 2005 . 1 May 2005 . 3 January 2023.
- Web site: Fanatec GTWC pwrd by AWS Sprint Cup round 2 Championnat de France FFSA GT Race 1 Magny-Cours . https://web.archive.org/web/20210522210615/https://ffsagt.gt4series.com/images/results/30/Championnat%20de%20France%20FFSA%20GT_Race%201_ResultList_2.0.PDF . 8 May 2021 . 22 May 2021 . 22 May 2021 . live.
- Web site: 2010 Round 3: Magny Cours Eurocup Mégane Trophy Race 2 (40' +1 lap) Final Classification . https://web.archive.org/web/20220627060219/http://rsseries.alkamelsystems.com/Results/07_2010/06_MAGNY-COURS/08_EUROCUP%20MEGANE%20TROPHY/201006201545_RACE%202/03_Classification_RACE%202.PDF . 20 June 2010 . 27 June 2022 . 25 June 2022 . live.
- Web site: 2021 Alpine Elf Europa Cup Race 1 Magny-Cours . https://web.archive.org/web/20220417153216/https://www.alpineelfeuropacup.com/_files/ugd/9ff711_073cfaf257204dd3a518ec3c48d528a8.pdf . 7 May 2021 . 17 April 2022 . 17 April 2022 . live.
- Web site: 2003 French Supertourisme Championship Round 7: Magny-Cours, 25th-26th October Race 1 . 26 October 2003 . 13 January 2023.
- Web site: Magny-Cours Cups 2019 >> Supercar + GTPrototype Challenge Laptimes - Race 2 . 21 April 2019 . 3 January 2023.
- Web site: ETCC 2004 » Magny-Cours Grand Prix Round 6 Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20220427204227/https://www.touringcars.net/database/race.php?id=1761 . 2 May 2004 . 27 April 2022 . 27 April 2022 . live.
- Web site: Supersport 300 Pirelli French Round, 9-11 September 2022 Results Race 1 . World Superbike . . 10 September 2022 . 11 September 2022.
- Web site: Championnat de France des Circuits - Magny-Cours 08-10 September 2017 Clio Cup Series Race 2 Final Classification . 10 September 2017 . 31 July 2023.
- Web site: ETC Cup 2016 » Magny-Cours Grand Prix Round 10 Results . 10 July 2016 . 17 December 2022.
- Web site: 500 km Magny-Cours 1992 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191228110520/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-1992-10-18.html . 18 October 1992 . 28 December 2019 . 31 March 2021 . live.
- Web site: 2002 F3000 International Championship Magny-Cours Race Statistics . 20 July 2002 . 31 March 2021.
- Web site: 2002 Formula Nissan Magny-Cours (Race 2) . 31 August 2002 . 13 May 2024.
- Web site: FIA Sportscar Championship Magny-Cours 2002 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126051312/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-2002-06-30.html . 30 June 2002 . 26 January 2021 . 31 March 2021 . live.
- Web site: 2001 Magny-Cours French F3 - Round 11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220627060224/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2001-magny-cours-french-f3-2/ . . 14 October 2001 . 27 June 2022 . 25 June 2022 . live.
- Web site: ITC 1996 » Magny-Cours Grand Prix Round 18 Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20220514173757/https://www.touringcars.net/database/race.php?id=1136 . 15 September 1996 . 14 May 2022 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: FIA GT Championship Magny-Cours 2002 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220104213611/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-2002-04-21.html . 21 April 2002 . 4 January 2022 . 31 March 2021 . live.
- Web site: 2002 Eurocup Formula Renault Magny-Cours . 20 April 2002 . 18 May 2024.
- Web site: FIA GT Championship Magny-Cours 2000 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210908152301/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-2000-10-22.html . 22 October 2000 . 8 September 2021 . 31 March 2021 . live.
- Web site: 2001 French Super Touring Championship Magny-Cours - 13th-14th October, Round 9 Race 2: 14 laps . 14 October 2001 . 13 January 2023.
- Web site: European Super Touring Championship 2001 » Magny-Cours Grand Prix Round 5 Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20220427204225/https://www.touringcars.net/database/race.php?id=1546 . 1 May 2001 . 27 April 2022 . 27 April 2022 . live.
- Web site: Porsche Supercup 2000 Round 6: Magny-Cours, 2nd July . 2 July 2000 . 14 October 2022.
- Web site: ETCC 2002 » Magny-Cours Grand Prix Round 2 Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20220627060224/https://www.touringcars.net/database/race.php?id=1618 . 21 April 2002 . 27 June 2022 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: Sportscar World Championship Magny-Cours 1991 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211122101910/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-1991-09-15.html . 15 September 1991 . 22 November 2021 . 31 March 2021 . live.
- Web site: 1991 Magny-Cours French F3 - Round 3 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220514173803/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1991-magny-cours-french-f3-2/ . . 28 April 1991 . 14 May 2022 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: 1991-09-27 to 1991-09-29 World Superbike French Round Race 2 Result . 29 September 1991 . 6 June 2024.
- Web site: 1991 Championnat de France Formule Renault Magny-Cours . 28 April 1991 . 18 May 2024.
- Web site: 1975 Magny-Cours F2 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220514173802/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1975-magny-cours-f2/ . . 4 May 1975 . 14 May 2022 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: 1984 Magny-Cours European F3 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220514173759/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1984-magny-cours-european-f3/ . . 1 May 1984 . 14 May 2022 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: French Gr.6 Magny-Cours 1984 . 2 September 1984 . 2 January 2023.
- Web site: 1982 Championnat de France Formule Renault Magny-Cours . 2 May 1982 . 18 May 2024.
- Web site: 1987 Magny-Cours French Supertouring Group A Race Result . 3 May 1987 . 6 June 2024.
- Web site: Magny-Cours 1969 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220514063032/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Magny-Cours-1969-05-01.html . 1 May 1969 . 14 May 2022 . 14 May 2022 . live.
- Web site: VIII Critérium de Magny-Cours . 14 July 1969 . 14 July 2022.
- Web site: 1970 Critérium de Formule France Magny-Cours . 3 May 1970 . 18 May 2024.