Circuit de Croix-en-Ternois, Racing Circuit

The Circuit de Croix-en-Ternois is a short racing circuit in northern France, set alongside the RN39 between Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise and Croix-en-Ternois, near Arras. It was built by a group of local car enthusiasts on their own land and inaugurated in May 1973, a largely flat layout with no grandstands, spectators instead lining the perimeter banks. Despite measuring well under two kilometres, it briefly enjoyed international prominence when the European Formula 3 Championship visited from 1975, drawing future stars such as Riccardo Patrese, Nelson Piquet, Elio de Angelis and Derek Daly to its tight tarmac. The F3 elite soon moved on, finding the circuit too small, but it remained a popular national and club venue and a favoured Formula One test track, its twisty character serving as a handy shakedown for teams heading to Monaco. Patrick Aubreby took ownership in 1999 and oversaw renovations, with the French F3 Championship returning after a 2000 re-homologation. A 2012-2013 repaving project widened the circuit, created a new Virage du Pont and improved overtaking, bringing the current 1.900 km layout up to FIA Grade 3 standard. Known for its long main straight and twisty in-field section, it hosts a varied calendar of car and bike racing, regular track days and, more recently, drift events. The British Motorcycle Racing Club has also used it as a round of its calendar. A 100-seat restaurant serves visitors and competitors on site.

Operated by: Association Circuit de Croix-en-Ternois