The Classic Béarnaise sauce in Pau

Far from the glamor of Monaco or the fake marina of Miami, Pau is an urban circuit that exudes authenticity, offering a difference in altitude, a variety of difficulties and an incomparable atmosphere. On what other circuit is the spectator so close to the action? And where can you still find a paddock under the trees? Don't look, it's only in Pau. In the Tissié park, you can stroll around in shorts and with a cone of fries in your hand as close as possible to the single-seaters, without fearing the outraged looks of the elegance arbiters. The Pau Grand Prix is ​​a popular event, in the noble sense of the term. And with the exception of a few grumpy local residents, more concerned with their hearing comfort than with the common good, everyone was happy, starting with the numerous British competitors arriving from Monaco, who appreciated the relaxed atmosphere of Pau as much as the local gastronomy.

Pau and motorsport have a history that dates back to the 19th century, with the organization of Pau-Bayonne-Pau in March 1899. Appearing in 1933, the city circuit was modified two years later, the course of 2,760 km being unchanged since. There F1 occurred in Pau between 1948 and 1963, but it was during the years F2 (1964-1984) that the Grand Prix experienced its golden age. A period highlighted by the Legends plateau, which also hosted a handful of F1 cars from the 1970s. These hardly shone, as the misfortunes of the Lyons family illustrate. From free practice, son Michael went off the road and his Hesketh 308 E in Penthouse colors was modestly covered for the rest of the weekend. Respectively piloting a McLaren M26 ex-James Hunt de 1977 et une Surtees TS9 ex-John Love de 1971, Pa et Ma Lyons (Frank et Judith) ont fait preuve de prudence, déplaçant leur monture à un train de sénat