Magny-Cours

The Circuit Jean Behra, as it was known, was a second-division and slightly rundown national track that was also home to the Martini racing car constructor before political pressure was exercised on its behalf during the 1980s. President Mitterand, so long a supporter of French racing in general and the Ligier team in particular, backed a plan to move the French Grand Prix to the Nevers region. A major redevelopment of Magny-Cours was completed in time for the 1991 race and the renamed Circuit de Nevers had the smoothest track surface on the calendar. But after the fast open layout of Circuit Paul Ricard, the new circuit was somewhat tight and uninspiring in comparison. It held the Grand Prix until the original such race disappeared from the calendar when the sanction fee from 2008 proved unaffordable.