Dijon-Prenois 284

Dijon-Prenois

Dijon-Prenois was the third circuit to have been used in the area when it opened in 1972.

Dijon-Prenois was the third circuit to have been used in the area when it opened in 1972. Although picturesque and demanding in places, it was always too short to be used as an international venue. It was extended in 1976 but Dijon eventually lost the Grand Prix to Circuit Paul Ricard. Despite its limitations, many memorable races were held at Dijon, including first Grand Prix victories for Jean-Pierre Jabouille and Renault (1979), Alain Prost (1981) and Keke Rosberg (1982 Swiss GP). And it will always be remembered as the scene of the spectacular dice between Rene Arnoux and Gilles Villeneuve as they disputed second in the 1979 French Grand Prix. They repeatedly swapped positions in the closing laps, banging wheels on and off the track. That was viewed as irresponsible by some but exhilarating to most. International racing did return intermittently in the form of FIA GT Championship in the 1990s, but Dijon is no longer at the forefront of French racing.

Circuit

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Type

Permanent road course

Length

2.361 (Miles)

Change

Parabolique extension built

Fastest Race Lap

Klaus Zwart (Jaguar R5-Cosworth), 1m04.876, 131.013 mph, Boss GP, 2012

Fastest Qualifying Lap

Alain Prost (Renault RE30B), 1m01.380, 138.475 mph, F1, 1982

Type

Permanent road course

Length

2.044 (Miles)

Change

Original circuit

Fastest Race Lap

Jody Scheckter (Tyrrell 007-Ford), 1m00.00, 122.640 mph, F1, 1974

Fastest Qualifying Lap

Niki Lauda (Ferrari 312B3), 58.79s, 125.165 mph, F1, 1974

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