Grand Prix de France Historique: a look back at an emotion-filled 2024 edition before the celebration planned for 2025
If the 2025 edition continues to surprise us with guests as prestigious as they are legendary. A few weeks before this F1 celebration in France, Motors Inside revisits this superb 2024 weekend in a few articles. Enough to make us relive different eras with passion and emotion!
What do the legends of the 70s, 80s, and 90s say?
Last year, we were able to exchange a few words with those who have written the history of our sport. All were unanimous that the French Grand Prix is an event not to be missed under any circumstances. It is the passionate communion between the past and present actors of this sport and the fanbase that has never forgotten how much F1 is a sport of commitment between humans and high technology machines.
Thus, Gerhard Berger, before getting back behind the wheel of the McLaren MP4-6 that he drove in 1991 (here Senna’s car), confided to us:
« It’s a pleasant moment that allows us to dive back into the past. I enjoy being able to recall them. And when you look at this single-seater, you are in direct connection with that era. So I am very happy! »
Jacky Ickx, also known as Mr. Le Mans, was also present last year in Provence at the wheel of his Ferrari 312 B2.
Undoubtedly, it’s great to have an audience like we have today. Because without this audience, there is no auto racing. And the Paul Ricard circuit is a valuable track.
I will drive the Ferrari 312 B2 that I had at the 1972 German Grand Prix. It’s like going back in time. There are mechanisms that you don’t forget, but this time it will be a demo. During this drive, I will share the track with Stéphane de Groodt, who is a great motorsport enthusiast, but above all a very great comedian today, and a wonderful person.
The “Arnoux – Villeneuve” battle
24 hundredths of a second lead for Gilles Villeneuve after a fierce battle for second place at the French Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois in 1979:
In the final laps of the race, Arnoux and Villeneuve begin a series of attacks, overtakes, and counterattacks for second place. The two drivers battle wheel to wheel, braking at the last moment, brushing against each other repeatedly, and regularly going off the ideal line to defend their position or attack.
The battle features multiple overtakes, with Villeneuve and Arnoux exchanging positions several times. Each driver attempts to maintain the advantage by leveraging their strengths: Villeneuve with his mastery and aggressiveness, and Arnoux with the power of his turbo engine. At certain moments, their wheels touch, the cars destabilize, but neither of them gives up.
In the penultimate lap, the two drivers are wheel to wheel, with neither willing to give up ground. Gilles Villeneuve ultimately manages to maintain second place until the finish line, finishing just ahead of Arnoux.
Another symbolic tribute that the 2024 edition of the Grand Prix de France Historique allowed us to relive. Here is an illustration:
Renault at the party in 2025
This year, HVM, the organizing team of the Grand Prix de France Historique, wants to revisit Renault’s successes in F1, particularly with the superb title won in 2025 with the R25 and Fernando Alonso at the wheel.
A tempting program that will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this success, the year Renault is spending its last year as an engine supplier in F1.
The full program can be found on the organizer’s website:
I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that request.
Images from the article: © Nicolas LEROOY for MotorsInside.com
