Origin and history
The Paul Armagnac circuit, often called the Nogaro circuit, is a car circuit located in Gers, in the communes of Nogaro and Caupenne-d'Armagnac. It is managed by the mixed economy company of Paul-Armagnac (SEMPA). His history began in 1953 with the creation of the Armagnac Rally and the Armagnac Association Sportive Automobile, initiated by Robert Castagnon and the driver Paul Armagnac. These open road tests, which posed safety problems, led to the construction of a permanent circuit near the Nogaro airfield, of which Paul Armagnac's father, Jean Armagnac, was then the manager.
Inaugurated on October 3, 1960, the circuit owes its name to Paul Armagnac, a Gersois rider who died in the race in Montlhéry in 1962. It was the first permanent motor circuit in France, with a track inspired by Sebring in Florida, but smaller. Initially 1,752 metres long and 12 metres wide, it had nine corners and eight stands. The first race was the Nogaro Grand Prix, won by Bruno Basini on a Junior Formula Rainery. The timing was then done with an agricultural machine, and railway ties protected the spectators.
The circuit underwent several modernisations, notably in 1968 after a series of fatal accidents, passing under the management of the Gers department for a symbolic franc. In 1973, its length was increased to 3,120 metres, and its width to 9,50 metres, with 8 turns and 64 stands. A control tower and a medical centre were built, now forming the old stands, unused since 2007. The circuit hosted prestigious competitions such as Formula 2 (1975-1978), the Grand Prix moto de France (1978 and 1982), and the FIA European Passenger Car Championship (1985-1988).
In 1989, the circuit was extended to 3,636 metres, a length unchanged since then. He hosted various events, such as the French Superbike Championship in 1981, the Grand Prix Camion from 1994, and Formula 1 tests in the 2000s. In 2007, a new starting line was created after the "S du Lac", with a new stand building and a modern control tower. Today the circuit is 3,636 meters long for 14 meters wide, with 26 stands, and welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors per year.
The route, known for its technicality, includes 14 turns (or 15) and is used for various competitions: automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and even cyclists, as when the 4th stage of the Tour de France 2023 was finished. The circuit is also known for its modern infrastructure, including a driving school (Renault Elf Nogaro School), stands for spectators, and future development projects such as photovoltaic shades.
Highlights include the Easter Cups, created in 1968, which attract famous drivers such as Alain Prost or Sébastien Loeb. The circuit also hosted the Eco-marathon Shell, the Classic Festival, and the French Drift Championship. Despite a few fatal accidents, including that of Anthony Delhalle in 2017, the circuit remains an emblematic place for French motorsport, combining history, modernity and diversity of competitions.
