Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Reims-Gueux circuit, also known as the Reims circuit, was created 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 between the villages of Thillois and Gueux. Its triangular route, marked by three long straight lines and three iconic bends (Gueux, La Garenne, La Bonne Encounter), made it a famous circuit for its speed and spectacular slides. 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: a ramp avoiding the village of Gueux (reducing the route to 7,198 km in 1952), then a north-east ramp bringing the length to 8,347 km in 1953, with five bends now. These include sustainable infrastructure such as reinforced concrete stands (1928), a central pavilion rebuilt in 1953, and a rotating display panel erected in 1956. However, the circuit was closed in 1972 for financial reasons, after hosting fourteen Grand Prix de France and motorcycling events until June 1972.

Ranked a historic monument in May 2009, the site retains some of its original layout and iconic stands. Since 2007, commemorative events such as the Week End of Excellence Automobile (2007-2009) have celebrated its legacy, with demonstrations of historic vehicles driven by figures such as Jean Alesi or Henri Pescarolo. Although a reconstruction project was abandoned in 2007, the association Les passionnés du circuit de Gueux (created in 2023) is now working to preserve it. The circuit remains a popular place for photo shoots of old cars, testifying to its persistent aura in the world of motorsport.

The elements protected since 2009 include the stands (Benoist, Wimille, Sommer), the Lambert chronometer pavilion, the stands, an underground passageway, and a metal display panel. These remains, combined with frescoes such as Molné and Akmen representing racing scenes, recall the golden age of competitions where drivers such as Jean Behra (winner in 1952 on Gordini) and Juan Manuel Fangio, whose 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 was exhibited during the commemorations. The history of the circuit also reflects the challenges of modernization, between sports passion and safety constraints, which led to its gradual decline after 1969.

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