While we cannot deny that the most glamorous pages in the history of motor sport have been written by exceptional men driving exceptional machines, it is equally clear that the highest quality contests have taken place in places and on circuits that are just as remarkable.

The Pau Grand Prix is one of these exceptional events, one of these mythical places where some of the greatest legends of motor sport have been written. There are several reasons for this :

It has stood the test of time : Over 60 races have been held here since the first in 1930, and the event has always been able to adapt and so overcome all difficulties and obstacles. Furthermore, the circuit has not changed its layout since the very beginning.

Its history is intimately linked with motor sport : Did you know that the very first Formula 1 Grand Prix (aside from the World Championship) took place in Pau on March 29th 1948? That Pau was the first race to have been named "Grand Prix" (1901), the name coming from the horse races that used to be run there? And, finally, that it was at Pau that a certain Argentinean racing driver, Juan Manuel Fangio won his first race on the Old Continent there?

All the great names of motor sport have raced at Pau! Fangio, Ascari, Clark, Hill, Rindt, Stewart, to name just a few, joined more recently by drivers like Alain Prost, Jean Alesi and Michael Schumacher.

A most exceptional setting. This street circuit faces the Pyrenean mountain range, in an environment laden with a quite remarkable history.

So, from the first race on, let us find out about the history of the Grand Prix de Pau.

Enjoy reading!

JMC.
Translation by M. Hargreaves.