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French GP circuit guide
Round 9: 2 July
Magny-Cours is now established as the home of the French Grand Prix even though the most ardent F1 fans might struggle to find it on a map of western Europe's biggest country.
The circuit has a reputation of being in the middle of nowhere - on those massive agricultural plains which characterise much of France.
Circuit facts |
Lap length: 2.641m (4.250km)
Race length: 72 laps
Total distance: 190.024 miles
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The biggest gripe for drivers is the proximity of civilisation to the facililitywith the nearest hotels a long drive from the Circuit de Nevers.
But once attention is turned to driving around - rather than towards - the track, it does not disappoint.
The opening section is one of the most challenging anywhere, with a deceptive left-hand bend - the Grande Courbe - followed by one of those corners beloved of drivers.
But once attention is turned to driving around - rather than towards - the track, it does not disappoint.
The opening section is one of the most challenging anywhere, with a deceptive left-hand bend - the Grande Courbe - followed by one of those corners beloved of drivers.
Form guide |
Fond memories: Germans traditionally perform well
Must do better: Herbert has suffered disqualification and early retirements here
Look out for: People moaning about the track's location
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The Estoril right-hander is a classic F1 design. A corner where fortune favours the brave and where there is a fine line between such an approach and sheer stupidity.
It is far too easy to push beyond the level of realistic grip and end up ploughing across a gravel trap like a French farmers' tractor.
A long fast straight is then followed by nagging hairpins and slow corners, the first of which is the tightest of all.
It is far too easy to push beyond the level of realistic grip and end up ploughing across a gravel trap like a French farmers' tractor.
A long fast straight is then followed by nagging hairpins and slow corners, the first of which is the tightest of all.
Roll of honour |
1995: Michael Schumacher, Benetton
1996: Damon Hill, Williams
1997: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
1998: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
1999: Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Jordan
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The Adelaide hairpin is a good spot for overtaking but it is easy to leave the breaking too late and spin.
This tight right-hander and the final test around the Lycee means that grip is important for car set-up.
Only Damon Hill has prevented German celebrations at Magny-Cours in the past five years.
This tight right-hander and the final test around the Lycee means that grip is important for car set-up.
Only Damon Hill has prevented German celebrations at Magny-Cours in the past five years.
1999 result |
1. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Jordan
2. Mika Hakkinen, McLaren
3. Rubens Barrichello, Stewart
4. Ralf Schumacher, Williams
5. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
6. Eddie Irvine, Ferrari
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Michael Schumacher has taken three of the wins but last year Heinz-Harald Frentzen took the ten points for Jordan.
World champion Mika Hakinnen was second, with Rubens Barrichello third after starting the event in a surprise pole position.
World champion Mika Hakinnen was second, with Rubens Barrichello third after starting the event in a surprise pole position.
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