Click Grand Prix
The first automobile grand prix is widely recognized as the 1906 French Grand Prix, which was organized by the Automobile Club de France (ACF) and took place on June 26-27, 1906, near Le Mans, France.
Key Details about the 1906 French Grand Prix:
1. Location: The race was held on public roads around the Sarthe region near Le Mans. The circuit was approximately 103 kilometres (64 miles) long.
2. Format: The race was run over two days, with six laps each day, totalling about 1,238 kilometres (769 miles).
3. Participants: Thirty-two cars started the race, representing manufacturers from France, Italy, and Germany.
4. Winner: Ferenc Szisz, a Hungarian driver in a Renault, won the race. He completed it in just over 12 hours, averaging around 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour).
5. Significance: This event marked the birth of organised grand prix racing, setting the stage for future automobile racing competitions. The term "grand prix" (meaning "grand prize" in French) became synonymous with major automobile races.
The 1906 French Grand Prix is celebrated for its significant role in the history of motor racing. It influenced the development of racing formats and regulations in the years that followed.