A Legendary Racetrack

Our track’s history

Discover the history of the legendary Dijon-Prenois Racetrack®. Inaugurated in 1972 by François Chambelland with an initial distance of 3,289 meters, the Burgundy racetrack layout has undergone very few changes over the years, until 1977, when the length of the track was modified to accommodate Formula 1 standards. This modification brought the track’s length to 3,801 meters, creating the impressive Parabolique corner in the process.

Constantly evolving technically and technologically, the racetrack has evolved through the years. Year after year, our investments enable us to host new competitions of national and international reputation.

From the inauguration of the motor racing stage and its first races with the extension of the track to accommodate Formula 1, relive the key milestones in the track’s history.

Upcoming events

Trackdays

The racetrack’s evolution over time

1967

“Automotive Stadium” project in Dijon by François Chambelland.

Réunion de lancement de projet Circuit Dijon-Prenois

1968

Early days of the project

Photo historique montrant l'histoire du Circuit Dijon Prenois

1969

Jean-Pierre Beltoise begins studies and clears the wooded areas to start road construction.

May 26th 1972

Inauguration of the “Automotive Stadium” of Dijon-Prenois (original length: 3,289 meters).

1975

Start of racetrack extension to 3.801km.

1989

Creation of the wall stands.

2003

Construction of a high-end modern go-karting complex.

2007 and 2008

During this two year transition, major work has been undertaken to ensure the safety of our customers.

– Extraction zone around the Parabolique corner.
– Widening and levelling of the outer bank in the Pouas corner.

2009

Rehabilitation of the asphalt and vibrators at several points on the track, including Villeroy, the Parabolique and the Sablières “S”. Work carried out by our partner Eurovia.

2010

Installation of gutters to collect rainwater with an 8 meter deep well.

2011

A beautiful track is important but so is a warm welcome: a new entrance was built in 2011.

2012

Work had begun on the karting complex, with the renovation of vibrators. The tarmac on the racetrack would also be repaired.

2013

Installation of a rainwater recovery tank.

2014

Widening of the Pouas straight and corner.

2015

Start of the new pitbuilding (phase 1/3). In this first stage, the priorities were: the video control room, the medical center and the reception of participants.

Renovation of internal safety roads at Pouas corner – station 19.

Renovation of the Parabolic zone fencing.

Repair of the left gravel trap at the Sablières corner – Station 3.

2016

Restauration of the sanitary block to make it even more comfortable and pleasant for our users.

The pit lane wall needed a makeover.

Start of the second phase of the new building with boxes and new reception areas.

2017

Repairs to the gutters at Les Sablières – Station 5.

2019

2020 – 2021

Modification of the outside shoulder of the Villeroy double-right: installation of an asphalt extension to enable drivers who widen their trajectory to avoid approaching the safety barrier and return to the track without incident.

Repairs to the shoulder of the straight between the Parabolique and the double-left of the slip road: the old asphalt is replaced by brand-new areas of grass and asphalt.

Refurbishment of the outer and inner shoulders of the Combe corner (located at the edge of the track, with widths ranging from 2 to 3 m): the grass has been replaced by asphalt to give drivers who lose control a more stable surface to return to the runway without incident.

2023

The track is getting a new look! From the top of the Parabolic to the start of the straight, the coating was redone during this winter. The photos demonstrate all the steps that were carried out: planing, sealing, 1st layer (normal formulation) and 2nd specific layer adapted to the use of circuits. Consolidation of the asphalt run-off zone of the “Double right of Villeroy” (turn T1). Asphalt, interior emergency road. Image and video credits : Roger Martin Group

Drive on the track

Sporting history of the track

May 26th 1972

Inauguration of the “Automotive Stadium” of Dijon-Prenois (initial length: 3.289 km).

June 4th 1972

First event with the European Prototype Championship.

July 23rd 1972

First motorcyle race.

1973 – 1980

April 15th, 1973: First 1000 kilometers of Dijon. Henri Pescarolo and Gérard Larrousse win with their Matra MS670B-Simca.

July 7th 1974

First French Formula 1 Grand Prix with Ronnie Peterson as winner.

August 24th 1975

Unofficial Swiss Grand Prix with Clay Regazzoni as winner.

June 5th 1977

FIM 750cc World Championship.

July 3rd 1977

French Formula 1 Grand Prix with Mario Andretti as winner.

1973 – 1983

Tour de France legs with victories by Bernard Thévenet, Bernard Hinault and Lauren Fignon.

July 1st 1979

First victory for the Renault Turbo engine in Formula 1 with Jean-Pierre Jabouille, when René Arnoux and Gilles Villeneuve went head to head for a legendary battle for 2nd place.

July 5th 1981

French Formula 1 Grand Prix, won by Alain Prost (1st Grand Prix victory).

August 29th 1982

Formula 1 swiss Grand Prix with Keke Rosberg as winner.

May 20th 1984

Last Formula 1 Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois with Niki Lauda as winner.

1985 – 1988 – 1989

F 3000

1988 – 2000

French and European Truck Championships.

1989 – 1990

WSPC World Championship.

July 5th 1981

FIA GT World Championship.

2004 – present

The Coupes Moto Légende take up residence in Dijon. 35,000 spectators are in attendance for the first edition.

2005 – present

The Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or debuts in Dijon. The Dijon-Prenois Racetrack® becomes the European hub for historic vehicle gatherings and competitions.

2009

Great year for our racetrack, with some great events including the DTM, a first that left everyone with some excellent memories.

2012

The GT competition makes its first stop in Dijon, with sunshine and car enthusiasts in attendance.

2014

On our great racetrack, the number of spectators and participants increased for the Coupes Moto Légende and the Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or events.

2016

The 2016 season was an eventful one! The Tour Auto Optic 2000 was a popular event both for the public and the circuit crew.

2017 – present

The project led by Mr Morizot, president of the circuit and his director Mr Cristofoli is taking the racetrack into a new era. Proof of this is the confidence shown by promoter Stéphane Ratel (SRO) in the organization of the GT4 series.

2022

On October 12th, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our racetrack in sunny weather. Numerous enthusiasts and spectators attended this festive and convivial open day.

June 2023

An eventful mid-season in Dijon-Prenois for the French FFSA Racetrack
Championship.

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