Disturbing news from France that yet another circuit is under threat: following the curbing of activity at the Nagaro track and the recent restrictions at le Mas du Clos, le Circuit de Charade in the stunning Auvergne is the latest victim.

As at Spa, a handful of locals has objected to noise levels. Slack management of the circuit, run by a committee of  business interests and the local authority, has allowed the 55dB limit imposed in 2008 to be exceeded rather too often and magistrates have closed the circuit until this can be adhered to and an 80,000€ fine paid.

Enthusiasts complain that the circuit authority should have seen off these threats long before.