Pau is unusual in the world of motorsport, in that it’s layout, through the city’s streets, has remained unchanged for over 75 years.

The first race on the streets of Pau was held in 1933, although the present-day layout harks back to 1935, when the loop to the north of the Parc Beaumont was added.

One of the world’s most challenging street races, the circuit is narrow and twisty and has also had its moments of infamy – including when Franz Engstler was taken out of the race lead by the safety car in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship’s second race.

World Touring Cars in fact first visited in 2007, and the circuit was on the calendar for only three years. Prior to this, touring car races were staged as part of the Championnat de France de Supertourisme.