Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry

The Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry, often simply called Montlhéry, is a historic motorsport venue located southwest of Paris, France. Opened in 1924, it was conceived by Alexandre Lamblin, founder of the French automotive manufacturer Mathis, as a high-speed testing and racing facility. The circuit quickly became a prominent location for record attempts and grand prix racing, hosting numerous French Grand Prix and other major events in its early years.

The original layout featured a steeply banked concrete oval, approximately 2.54 kilometers (1.58 miles) in length, designed for achieving very high speeds. This oval, reminiscent of Brooklands in England, allowed for sustained full-throttle runs. Complementing the oval was a road course that weaved through the infield, adding technical challenges and varying lengths depending on the configuration used. Over the years, the road course has been modified and expanded, incorporating sections of the banked oval. The banking itself is particularly notable, with its steep angles requiring specialized driving techniques.

Montlhéry has seen a wide array of motorsport activities, from Formula One and Grand Prix motorcycle racing to endurance events and record-breaking speed runs. Numerous speed and distance records were set at Montlhéry in the interwar period. Though no longer hosting top-tier international races, the circuit remains active for club events, historic racing, testing, and automotive industry purposes. Its unique combination of a high-speed banked oval and a challenging infield road course, coupled with its rich history, makes Montlhéry a significant and memorable landmark in motorsport history. It stands as a testament to the daring spirit of early automotive engineering and racing.