Layout: Fictitious (designed by me) – © 2021 AllAlongTheRacetrack
When was the track built?
When it opened in 1950 it was one of the best circuit in the World, both for its facilities and for how challenging it was for drivers, using public roads with jaw dropping gradients.
The 5.1 km long first version lasted only four years and it was extended into an even more iconic 6.5km layout that hosted other four French GPs, the last one been marked by the tragic death of Jo Schlesser in 1968.
Since then it has been modified various times with some chicanes and reduced again but due to economic, logistics and safety reasons it little by little disappeared from the main events and it was closed in 1994.
Thanks to its heritage, a completely new version, designed by me, semipermanent using some corners from the past versions but only one element of public streets, will be built and ready to host Formula 1 again from 2023.
When was its first Grand Prix?
In 1952, with Formula 2 rules and on the unique three hours distance rather than a fixed number of laps; a full Ferrari podium with Ascari, Farina and Taruffi.
It is one of the eight French circuits that will rotate for spots in the European and World Title series.
What’s the circuit like?
It embodies the spirit of its old predecessors with a blend of fast, downhill and uphill sweepers and slow chicanes or hairpins.
The new paddock area, with the main straight up to turn 8 are sitting on a plateau, with the first chicane being already a good sport for overtakes followed by a sequence of fast turns.
Then there is the legendary straight with a 60 meters drop, with a double right-hander leading to the climb back in the much-anticipated sector 3.
Where is it located?
In Les Essart, few kilometers south of Rouen, which has its own non-international airport connected with other French ones. (+ 49°20’00”, + 1°00’42”)
All Along The Racetrack 