A HELLISH F1 monitor on the base of a volcano was deserted after a number of severe incidents.
Positioned close to the mountains of Clermont-Ferrand in central France, the circuit first performed host to the French Grand Prix in 1965.
Clermont-Ferrand hosted the French GP 4 occasions however security considerations surfacedCredit score: Getty
Massive names like Jackie Stewart, Helmut Marko, Jochen Rindt and Jim Clark competed at Clermont-Ferrand between 1965-1972Credit score: YouTube/Circuits of the previous
The circuit was initially deliberate to be 5 miles lengthyCredit score: Getty
The Circuit de Charade – higher identified by many as Clermont-Ferrand – is one thing of an oddity these days.
Nicknamed the “Inexperienced Hell of France” after Germany’s Nurburgring, this 50 flip monitor was completely terrifying.
The 8km deserted route – which twists across the extinct Puy du Charade volcano – catapults you into the nice outdated days of motorsport.
Regardless of it’s harsh turns and lack of run-out zones, the British racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart managed to win two out of the 4 GPs held there.
However an uncommon accident on the circuit additionally ended the profession of the famend Crimson Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko.
The Austrian driver was hit within the head by a darkish volcanic rock thrown up by the automobile in entrance, pushed by Bengt Peterson.
The stone pierced the visor of Marko, completely blinding him in a single eye.
Years earlier than in 1959, British F2 racer Ivor Bueb misplaced his life throughout a race after being thrown from his automobile.
The treacherous turns and volcanic particles littering the monitor have been concluded as the principle reason for the lethal crash.
As years glided by the circuit began to grow to be a security hazard to spectators.
Because of this, System One left Clermont-Ferrand and by no means returned.
Though a shorter model of the monitor was unveiled in 1989 and once more in 2000, it by no means returned to its former glory.
Right this moment, the Circuit de Charade affords coaching days, racing faculties and basic automobile occasions.
In December 2020 the Departmental Council of Puy-de-Dôme unveiled a brand new plan to revitalise the circuit and safeguard its future as a centre for sport vehicles.
The monitor continues to be a scorching spot for racing nevertheless it seems to be very completely different at presentCredit score: YouTube/Circuits of the previous
In 1959, British F2 racer Ivor Bueb misplaced his life throughout a raceCredit score: Getty
Volcanic rocks would fall from the mountain onto each side of the monitorCredit score: Alamy