The end of the eighties saw a whole range of measures and initiatives to launch the race again, and Alain Prost became co-organiser in 1985. F3000, newly born and looking for venues, replaced the fast fading Formula 2. Free evening races have been organised since 1988 and continue to draw a considerable number of spectators.

Despite a chaotic beginning, success was not long in arriving, at the levels of the public, the media, and of all the other activities being organised around the event. The list of competitors for the race was soon full, while the race gave us some spectacular duels right from the start.
Pau is a circuit out of the ordinary - drivers push themselves to shine in Pau!

The event achieved international appeal, the performances of the cars got better and better and the involvement of the tobacco companies and the media ensured a comfortable level of finance for both the teams and the race. Racing drivers such as Jean Alesi, Damon Hill, Heinz Harald Frentzen, Juan Pablo Montoya have distinguished themselves at Pau. 90% of the stars of Formula 1 have seen service in F3000.

Dark clouds then cast their shadow over this glowing picture. More and more collisions, notably at the Lycée hairpin brought security concerns to the fore once again.
When the Evin law against tobacco advertising was applied, this would mean the withdrawal of sponsors and the municipal council would be forced to bear the expense. F3000 began looking for money and for finance.

Then, in 1998, the bad news came - from now on F3000 races would only take place as curtain-raisers for Formula 1 Grand Prix races. Another chapter in the history of the Pau Grand Prix was about to end.

JMC.
Translation by M. Hargreaves.