The Circuit:
The French Grand Prix is the oldest on the calender dating back to the first ever Grand Prix, run at Le Mans in 1906. Le Mans was one of 11 venues used up until the outbreak of World War II, although Reims and the banked circuit of Montlhéry were the favourites before the war.

With support from local boy, President Francois Mitterand, the club circuit was transformed by a major refurbishment completed just in time to stage the 1991 French Grand Prix. The circuit has hosted the event since then, despite noises being made about its remoteness and the poor attendances in recent years.

Despite the fact that the circuit has never really captured the imagination of the drivers the circuit offers the fans a wide range of viewing options, and given it's proximity this is one race you should make the effort to reach.

Adelaide is a 2nd-gear hairpin that brings the drivers back to earth. Braking hard at -3.2g, and at 40 mph, it turns through 180 degrees and takes the vehicle back in the direction from which it has just come with the track immediately to the right. This leads straight into a fast right-left that is cleared in 4th and which leads to Nürburgring, a chicane that wriggles the cars left and right – not as tight as Adelaide but, nevertheless, tricky because it closes up in the middle. Hard on the throttle, cars approach 150 mph and brake hard at the entrance to 180 Degrees. This is another hairpin and again brings the cars through 180 degrees and back upon themselves – taken in 2nd gear at 50 mph.

From the 180 it’s up quickly through the gears to 6th and 170 mph before changing down to meet the challenge of Imola at 110 mph, a right-left that protects the Chateau d’Eau, a virtual 90-degree turn entered in 4th and exited in 2nd at 55 mph on to a straight that allows the car to accelerate to 155 mph towards the 2nd-gear Chicane. This is a very tight right-left turn where drivers have to be very careful to avoid the kerbs, especially on the second part of the corner. Immediately following the chicane is the sharp Lycée right-hander taken in 2nd gear as the cars slow to 40 mph. Positioning for exit out of Lycée is important as it affects the driver’s ability to get on the throttle quickly to ensure maximum speed down the straight. The corner also provides the entry to the pit lane.