1960s

The golden era.

2.5 → 1.5 → 3.0 litres · Slipstream battles · Independents vs factories

The decade when Grand Prix racing found its modern form: mid-engines, monocoques and the first sponsorship. Races were decided in the slipstream on long straights. Reims-Gueux was their stage.

Chronicle

A decade that endures

1960–1969

1960

Slipstream battles at Reims

Jack Brabham wins the French Grand Prix, decided in the slipstream along Champagne's long straights.

1961

A debut victory

Giancarlo Baghetti wins his first championship Grand Prix at Reims, the only driver in history to win on debut.

1963

Clark's year

Jim Clark in the Lotus 25: seven wins that season, including Reims. The monocoque sets a new standard.

1965

The double

Clark wins the World Championship and the Indianapolis 500 in the same year, an unprecedented feat.

1966

The final Grand Prix

Power returns with the three-litre formula. Jack Brabham wins at Reims in a car bearing his own name. It is the circuit's final Grand Prix.

1969

The straight falls silent

Jackie Stewart becomes World Champion and racing at Reims-Gueux ends. The grandstands on the RN 31 remain today.

The circuit of the era

Reims-Gueux

1926–1969 · 8,302 km · Champagne

A triangle of public roads, faster than almost anything of its day. The pit lane, grandstands and timing tower still stand beside the RN 31. On the centenary of its first lap, we carry this circuit forward.

‘To hear Reims was to hear full throttle.’