Circuit info
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
Interesting facts
Designed by Jean Bernigaud, the circuit opened in 1960 as a modest 1.995 km, five-corner track, and became home to the famous Winfield racing school, which produced future Formula 1 drivers such as François Cevert, Jacques Laffite and Didier Pironi. It fell into disrepair through the 1980s until the Nièvre departmental council bought and completely rebuilt it in 1986, paving the way for today's 4.411 km Grand Prix layout. It hosted the French Grand Prix from 1991 to 2008, taking over from Paul Ricard, before losing the race over its remote location, poor access and a shortage of nearby accommodation, and dropped off the calendar for good once the 2009 race was cancelled outright. Several corners were named after other famous circuits: Turn 5, the Adelaide hairpin, is a first-gear corner and the track's best overtaking spot, while Turn 3 is named Estoril and Turns 7 and 12 carry the names Nürburgring and Imola, a nod to the Winfield school's teaching tradition. The often processional, dry-weather races were interrupted in 1999 by sudden rain, when Heinz-Harald Frentzen's Jordan scored a surprise win as the championship contenders faltered one after another. Michael Schumacher became the first driver in Formula 1 history to win a single Grand Prix eight times at the same circuit, and in 2004 he set the track's race lap record of 1:15.377 using an unusual four-stop strategy. You'll find it in Magny Cours, France. On the calendar since 1991, this circuit has hosted 18 races, the latest in 2008. Nigel Mansell took the inaugural win here in 1991. Felipe Massa won here most recently, in 2008. The most successful driver at this circuit is Michael Schumacher, with 8 wins. Ferrari is the dominant constructor at this circuit, with 8 wins. Michael Schumacher set the fastest lap here, 1:15.377 (Ferrari, 2004).