Tell us about your experiences of visiting the Circuit Nevers at Magny-Cours.
You may wish to include:
- When you visited the track
- Where you watched from
- How easy it was to get to
- How much of the track you could see
- What support races there were
- What you liked and didn’t like
- How much it cost and whether it was good value
Please use the reply box below to leave your comments.
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours aerial map
Latest F1 Fanatic articles about Circuit de Nevers, Magny-Cours
f.r.e.n.c.h.i.e
21st May 2008, 21:02
I am looking to go to my first ever grand prix at magny cours. I am scouring various sites to try at pick up cheap tickets but would love some feedback as to where would be the best place to sit at magny cours. I have seen the site plan but can’t agree with my husband the best place to sit – at the start finish line or at the end of the straight where there is maximum breaking? any advice?
thanks for any advice
Obster
9th July 2008, 21:39
I was visiting family in Paris in June and decided to take in the French GP. There is not a lot of info on websites from those who have been, so here is how we did it.
First of all, I was traveling with my sister-it was her first GP. We were going for Sunday only-no three day marathon this time.
Booked a train from Paris Gare Lyon to Nevers for approximately $100 USD round trip per person. Train left at 9AM and arrived Nevers 11AM. Not a TGV train-but still very comfortable in second class with many F1 fans to keep us company.
Transfer coach was at the ready outside the Nevers train station. Plenty of coaches-no waiting-Eleven Euro roundtrip-took you right up to the main entrance of the track.
Bought tickets from the GP site itself-no ticket brokers this time-after watching the video from the 2007 race to scout location. The GP website was very informative. Booked the tickets by phone as we were trying to get as high up in the stand as possible to improve our view. Good assistance from their representative.
Our seats were in Stand “J” which is in the center of the track. We could clearly see the cars brake from the back straight into the hairpin and dice with each other exiting the hairpin. Then we saw them again right in front of us in a high speed swerve before entering the Chateau d’leau 90 degree turn. These tix were 230 Euro apiece. Kind of pricey, but not the most expensive tix at all for this event. Our view was great-you could clearly see Kimi’s exhaust flapping around- and you could see the effort to attempt overtaking entering the 90 degree turn-especially Heiki vs. Jarno. There was a big screen right in front of us to take care of the rest of the track. We booked a Kangaroo TV for the day and it was a big help. We drew the line at watching its video while the cars were flashing by just feet away, but kept the stats screen up so we could see the margins grow and shrink between cars. The audio was by BBC-perfect for us as English speakers.
Support races-saw part of the Porsche cup race on the big screens as we trolled the Village. Generic and expensive merch-we left empty handed save for a program.
Brought our own lunch, too, and there were plenty of tables scattered around the village area to sit and eat after the race.
What i liked: the whole atmosphere. I liken this circuit to Watkins Glen in the US. Out in the country-beautiful scenery. Not a huge crowd by GP standards. Easy access to our stand. Great for my sis to see her first GP race.
Didn’t like: not too much to complain about-after the race was over we got back to the coach, which took us without delay back to the Nevers train station. The cafe across the street was gearing up for a big evening of Euro cup, so they were glad to serve us. We sat at the cafe and looked up at the private jets scream overhead towards the south and Monte Carlo carrying the drivers. The train got us back to Paris by 9PM, and we went to our favorite cafe to have dinner and rehash the day.
I have been to a lot of races over the years-this one was smooth and painless. I would rate it highly-even for beginners.
Looks like Magny lives for another year at least.Hope this helps if you decide to go.
mike north
14th August 2008, 13:13
Magny-cours is possibly one of the best circuits to visit….if you camp on site.
I have now been to 10 F1 weekends thers and it’s awsome!!!
I’ve seen the best win there including Mansell and the german – even DC.
We camp on site and have seats overlooking the hairpin – total cost for weekend including ferry and fuel was £300 + beer of course.
If you’ve not been – why not?!?
Mike North
Norffy’s Tours