The ninth Grand Prix de Pau Historique was held May 22-24 on the historic street circuit in southwestern France. The famous town circuit welcomed on this occasion a hundred classic competition cars, come to compete on the splendid historical layout.
Besides the extremely pleasant weather, the 2009 race saw the arrival of Peter Auto, organizer of the Tour Auto and the Le Mans Classic, having answered with enthusiasm to the offer made by the ASAC Basco Béarnais to take over the organization of their Grand Prix Historique. The changes made both to the competition and the general presentation were appreciated by all present and the next edition, in 2011, should definitely confirm the enormous potential of the event, deemed to become another unavoidable meeting for all automobile enthusiasts.
Last town circuit, with Monaco, to welcome real competitions, the Pau layout benefits of unique settings, with its Boulevard des Pyrenees climb, the drive around the Parc Beaumont and the downhill run toward the station, enhanced by the Pyrenees range in the background. It is also a great pleasure for drivers to race at Pau.
The show offered was a real treat for the spectators who admired this year a grid of the quality expected by the organizer; particularly the Légende Trophy, with fifteen Bugattis driven down on the call of Marc Nicolosi, imminent member of the Club Bugatti. Pre-1966 Grand Prix cars, Formula Juniors, Formula Fords and F3, Formula Frances, GTs and two-seater sports cars were also present for this new version of the Grand Prix de Pau Historique.
After this First, crowned with success, Peter Auto aims for the next editions to double the number of competition cars, in particular by welcoming other Formulas true to the history of Pau and adapted to its circuit; to welcome more Club cars, putting them to their advantage and increasing the activities to offer the public a non stop three day show.
An ambitious goal, reinforced by the trust of the ASAC Basco Béarnais and the Pau Office of Mayor, the support of first line partners such as Richard Mille, already associated with the Le Mans Classic since the first edition in 2002. The Grand Prix Historique de Pau has just made a new start and the next appointment is made in 2011 for an extremely promising edition.
For more information including complete race results, visit www.grandprixdepauhistorique.com.
[Source: Grand Prix de Pau Historique]
