![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.rhinopeel.com\/sbmrl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/7-Magny-Cours.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOriginally designed and built in 1960, with several corners named in homage of the tracks that inspired them, the circuit\u00a0didn’t play host to Formula 1 racing until 1991. \u00a0Due to poor attendance and financing issues, Formula 1 left after the 2008 race, and many were not disappointed due to a lack of overtaking. \u00a0That’s unlikely to be a problem for SBMRL drivers, who’ve shown a proclivity for the pass.<\/p>\n
A lap around Magny-Cours starts on the relatively short pit straight with a short run up from the starting line to Grande Courbe. \u00a0This is an easy left hander followed by a short straight, and then the corner on the track that will have everyone drooling. \u00a0The Estoril corner is the longest, smoothest corner on the league calendar. \u00a0It can easily be taken in 5th\u00a0gear with little concern for consequences. \u00a0The incredibly long Golf straight follows, meaning there’s no need to worry about what’s coming ahead.<\/p>\n
That opening combination in the first sector means that it’s entirely possible for cars to spend a good portion of the sector in 6th gear. \u00a0Cars near the front of the grid will be at a slight disadvantage if they can’t get off the line quickly and pick up speed. \u00a0Those in the middle of the field will have the easiest time shifting up through the gears smoothly as they get under\u00a0way. \u00a0For those who’ve managed to handle it properly, there will be no need to downshift at all in the first sector.<\/p>\n
The second sector is where cars will have to slam on the breaks. \u00a0The Adelaide corner is a tight one that will have cars downshifting rapidly after the Golf straight. \u00a0This is where things might start to look tricky, but Magny-Cours will likely prove to be more forgiving than it initially appears. \u00a0The Nurburgring bend won’t slow cars down too much, and the 180 corner after that is tight but manageable. \u00a0Hit it right, and cars will be flying off to sector 3 and Imola.<\/p>\n
The final sector has the quick combination of Imola and Chateau D’Eau, which will slow the field moderately. \u00a0This will be a good spot to pass if cars can maintain speed through it, as the straight before the final Complexe du Lyc\u00e9e can catch cars in between gears. \u00a0That last chicane will really slow the field down before heading out on the second lap.<\/p>\n
Magny-Cours is a circuit that will test each driver’s ability to get the most of their car, and will also reveal a lot about their tolerance for risk. \u00a0There will be ample opportunity to stay in the higher gears, but running at the front will be key to making that tactic work. \u00a0If the ideal racing lines get closed off in front, it will be much harder to tolerate the risks of running too fast.<\/p>\n
STARTING GRID<\/h3>\n
Sochi shook up the standings quite a bit and has left everything in turmoil. \u00a0That said, with two races left to go, the drivers and teams at the back of the standings are just about out of time if they still hope to catch up. \u00a0It’s now or never for them. \u00a0Here’s how the grid will shape up on race day:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Captain Slow (SB)<\/li>\n
- Nero (CO)<\/li>\n
- Mater (RB)<\/li>\n
- The Stig (SB)<\/li>\n
- Ice (CO)<\/li>\n
- Launch Bornado (RM)<\/li>\n
- Jamonito del Verde (ORC)<\/li>\n
- Danger Wheel (RB)<\/li>\n
- Jaronimus Maximus (ORC)<\/li>\n
- Jaap Snellrijder (RM)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Mater gets tie breaker preference with the Stig after finishing behind the Stig in Russia. \u00a0Likewise, Launch gets preference over Jamonito.<\/p>\n
Pit selection is reverse order of average starting grid position, with ties broken in reverse order of team standings. \u00a0Osito Racing Company and Regency Motors are tied in terms of average starting position, so Osito gets first pit choice due to being farther down the team standings.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Osito Racing Company<\/li>\n
- Regency Motors<\/li>\n
- Red Bull<\/li>\n
- Cobalt<\/li>\n
- Scandinavian Blitz<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Since this is our first trip to France to race at Magny-Cours, it’s hard to know what to expect out of the teams. \u00a0The most similar track we’ve raced at is probably Interlagos, where Osito Racing Company established themselves as serious contenders for both championship titles. \u00a0Expect some high speed wheel-to-wheel action and possibly even a blown engine or two.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours will play host to the penultimate round of the 2016-17 SBMRL season. \u00a0The track is a new one for SBMRL drivers, and one that Formula 1 drivers haven’t raced on since 2008. Originally designed and … Continue reading