A few years ago it seemed that this historic French circuit, built in 1925 and famous for its banking, was doomed. The cost of renewing its competition licence in 2005 proved prohibitively expensive as the French authorities demanded Grand Prix style catch fencing among other 'improvements', and racing ceased.

This provoked funereal predictions that the site would be razed and redeveloped. However, outcry from enthusiasts, led by such national heroes as Beltoise, Pescarolo and Larrousse caused a rethink.  In 2008 under the auspices of UTAC (Union technique de l’automobile et du motorcycle) new management was installed with the aim of preserving Montlhéry and retaining it for motorsport activity.

Communications director Christian Schmaltz recently explained to Octane that the circuit (in fact Montlhéry has three distinct tracks) already has a full 2011 programme of weekend events ranging from track days, competition driving courses and club gatherings to classic vehicle shows. During the week, the tracks are used by UTAC for testing and homologation for vehicle manufacturers.

'With the income all these activities generate, we are gradually restoring the site, especially the banking which is being treated with a special resin. We have covered about 1000m2 far and the process should be complete by 2016. In the meantime, even without a competition licence we have a lot going on and we aspire to hold more events like the Festival of Speed, but obviously on a smaller scale.' 

And longterm, a return to competition? M.Schmaltz won’t be drawn on this.     

More at the UTAC website.