Car circuit of Gueux dans la Marne

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Reims-Gueux circuit, also known as the Reims circuit, was inaugurated in 1926 for the Grand Prix de la Marne, organized by the Automobile Club de Champagne. Initially 7,816 km long, it used departmental roads (D26, D27) and National 31, forming a triangle between the villages of Thillois and Gueux. Its original layout, consisting of three long straight lines and tight turns like Gueux or La Garenne, made it a circuit known for its speed, attracting drivers and manufacturers seeking to optimize their performance. The organizers gradually changed the environment, cutting down trees and demolishing houses to create loopholes and increase security.

In 1938, the circuit hosted its first Grand Prix de France under the aegis of the Automobile Club de France, before becoming the theatre of the first official Formula 1 race in 1950. Between 1952 and 1954, major extensions were made, including a strap avoiding the village of Gueux, increasing the length to 8.3 km and adding two new bends (Annie Bousquet, Muizon). These developments coincided with sustainable infrastructure: reinforced concrete stands (1928), central pavilion rebuilt in 1953, or a rotating billboard erected in 1956. The circuit, however, closed permanently in 1972 for financial reasons, after hosting 14 Grand Prix de France and motorcycle events until 1972.

Since 2009, the site has been listed as historic monuments, preserving its emblematic elements: Benoist stands, Wimille and Sommer, Lambert chronometer pavilion, stands, and underground passage. Commemorative events, such as the Week End of Excellence Automobile (2007-2009), have temporarily revived the site, attracting legendary drivers such as Jean Alesi and Henri Pescarolo. Today, the association The enthusiasts of the Gueux circuit (created in 2023) are working on its restoration, while the partially visible route still serves as a backdrop for photo shoots of old cars. The vestiges testify to a time when this circuit was a high place of speed and automobile innovation.

The infrastructure built between the 1920s and 1950s reflects the evolution of safety and comfort standards for spectators. The covered stands (1928, 1931), the central pavilion with its supply stands (1932), or the two-level club house (1950) illustrate the importance attached to welcoming the public and the teams. A mural by artists Molné and Akmen, representing racing scenes, always adorns the club house, recalling the golden age of the circuit. Despite its closure, the site remains a symbol of French sports heritage, linked to major figures of Formula 1 and endurance.

The decline in the circuit is due to recurrent financial problems and safety standards that have become obsolete in the face of the evolution of car competitions. The last official race, a French motorcycle championship in June 1972, marked the end of its sporting use. Since then, reconstruction projects (such as the one abandoned in 2007) have been considered, but priority is now given to preserving historical elements. Registration for the historic monuments in 2009 led to rehabilitation work, while special events celebrate its heritage, such as demonstrations of vintage vehicles or tributes to drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, winner in 1954 on a Mercedes-Benz W196.

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