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FORMULA 1™ Grand Prix de France 2006 Magny-Cours 14 - 16 Jul
100 years of history
The 2006 Grand Prix de France marks a milestone in motor sport history -
one hundred years of Grand Prix racing in France. Since that historic debut
we have been treated to some of the finest moments in motor sport history
with French Grand Prix run on over seven different circuits: Rouen Les
Essarts, Clermont-Ferrand Louis Rosier, Castellet Paul Richard, Reims, Le
Mans Bugatti, Dijon-Prenois, and Nevers Magny Cours.
Grand Prix racing originated in 1906 with the first race held 26-27 June
1906 on the Sarthe circuit near Le Mans : The Grand Prix de l'ACF
(Automobile Club de France) is considered to be the first International
Grand Prix, having replaced the famous Coupe Gordon-Bennett.
Well over 30 cars were present at the start of the Grand Prix de l'ACF
including no less than 25 French entries. After two days of racing, a
Hungarian, Ferenc Szisz crossed the finish line driving a Renault equipped
with detachable rims created by Michelin.
The historic French Grand Prix is a blend of fabulous wins, infamous
accidents and sadly, some tragedies. Winners of these Grand Prix include the
line-up of famous drivers, such as Luigi Faglioli in the 1950s, Jackie
Stewart and Jackie Ickx in the 1960s, Jack Brabham winning the Grand Prix de
France in Le Mans in 1967 and the fatal accident of driver Jo Schlesser in
Rouen in 1968. In the 1981 Grand Prix de France a young Alain Prost won his
first ever Formula One Grand Prix.
Will Renault repeat their historic 1906 performance with another win in
2006?
No matter who claims victory next 16 July 2006 , spectators can expect
three days of world class racing and action packed entertainment.
I encourage you, one and all, to come help us celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the Grand Prix de France which promises to be an
extraordinary motor racing experience.
Jacques Régis
Fédération Française du Sport Automobile President
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In 1960 Jean Bernigaud built a racing circuit on farm land near to Magny
Cours in the Upper Loire, France. The original track was just over a mile in
length and by 1969 the track record stood at just 49 seconds. Bernigaud
expanded the circuit to create two interconnecting tracks with a total
length of 3.84 kilometres (2.39 miles). The new track was officially opened
in 1971.
Magny Cours was the home of a whole generation of French motor racing
stars in the 1970s. A race school was established in 1963 and famous
graduates included Francois Cevert, Patrick Depailler, Jean-Pierre Jarier
and Jacques Laffite.
The track hosted rounds of the European F3 championship but it was not
until former President Francois Mitterand decided to invest in the flagging
economy of the area, that Magny Cours was seriously considered for Formula
One. A new motorway was built to link the track to the existing autoroutes
and a huge industrial park was built to attract France's best racing teams.
The track layout remained the same but the corners were all changed, the
track retaining its dual layout but now comprising a length of 4.26
kilometres (2.65 miles). In 1991 the French grand Prix came to Magny Cours
and it has remained there ever since.
Situated in central Nievre region, the circuit is half way between Paris
and Lyon. The two main airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly, both
in Paris, or alternatively the Satolas Airport in Lyon.
From Paris, using the A10 motorway, take the Bourge exit for the N76 to
Pierre Le Moultier. Driving from Lyon and its Satolas airport, take the A6
to Paris, leaving at Macon Sud for the N79 and subsequently the D979. |
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Recommended Hotels for Magny-Cours
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 Inter Hotel Clos Sainte-Marie Nevers 
Set in the very heart of Nevers, the Inter Hotel Clos Sainte-Marie is a haven of
peace and is an ideal place for all types of travellers. Situated amidst a
radiant garden, the flower-filled and charming Inter Hotel Clos Sainte-Marie
Nevers is home to all the comforts that you would expect from a hotel of this
category. Whether on a business trip or a leisure stay, you will spend cosy and
peaceful moments here. Guests are offered spacious and individual rooms that are
decorated with antique furniture and facilitated with an array of modern
amenities. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on the shaded terrace and unwind beneath
the pergola or benefit from a delicious meal in the restaurant reserved for
business stopovers. During leisure, you can explore Nevers, a town full of fun
and excitement, famous for porcelain and motor racing at the Magny-Cours
circuit, not to mention the convent that is the final resting place of
Bernadette Soubirous.
>> click here for year round hotel reservation
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 Novotel Hotel Le Subdray
Novotel Hotel Le Subdray is located 7 kilometres from the city centre. All 93
guestrooms of the property provide modern comfort, a unique feeling of
spaciousness and contemporary decor for both business and leisure travel. The
onsite traditional restaurant offers regional cuisine. In addition, a snack bar
is also available for the guests. A choice of 8 meeting rooms are provided for
hosting business conferences, banquet parties and many other events.
Furthermore, an outdoor swimming pool with a beautiful garden and a terrace is
available for recreation.
>> click here for year round hotel reservation
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 Domaine Des Portes De Sologne Hotel Orleans
Set in the midst of an extensive golf course, this popular hotel is only 7 km
south of Orleans, near the motorway exit. All rooms are medium sized and fully
equipped with modern comforts. Some of them have golf view. Bathrooms are medium
sized and in very good condition. The hotel restaurant offers the perfect
ambience for intimate gourmet meals. It has a big terrace overlooking the
swimming pool and a beautiful traditional Sologne fireplace. The hotel also has
a separate restaurant for groups only. This multifaceted property is a haven of
tranquillity. Its vicinity to Orleans, its peaceful green surroundings and the
golf and sport activities make it suitable not only for golfers but for all
tastes.
>> click here for last minute offers |
>> click here for year round hotel reservation
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