AtanariaThe second day of the 2026 Grand Prix Historique de France transformed Dijon-Prenois into a roaring cathedral of motorsport history, where Formula 1 legends, screaming prototypes, historic Formula 2 machinery and endurance monsters combined to produce one of the most spectacular Saturdays the event has ever witnessed.
From the crack of dawn to the final fireworks exploding over Burgundy, May 9 delivered relentless on-track action, emotional tributes, celebrity demonstrations and fiercely contested races across every era of racing history. More than simply a celebration of the past, the Grand Prix Historique once again proved why it has become one of Europe’s premier historic motorsport festivals.
The day began at 8:00 a.m. with the traditional parade for single-seaters under two litres, followed shortly afterward by the first competitive action of the morning: the Masters Group C race.
Vercoutere Dominates Masters Group C
The Group C machinery immediately reminded spectators why the golden age of endurance racing remains so revered. The brutal sound of Porsche prototypes echoed through the Dijon hills as Ivan Vercoutere delivered a commanding performance aboard his Porsche.
Vercoutere controlled the 19-lap race from the front, taking victory with authority and setting the fastest lap of the race in 1:57.871. Xavier Micheron finished second, one lap down, while Jann Mardenborough claimed third after a spirited drive.
Jeremy Loisel brought his machine home fourth ahead of Stéphane De Groodt, while former Le Mans ace Andy Soucek showed impressive pace despite finishing sixth after losing two laps. Soucek’s fastest lap of 2:04.491 hinted at stronger potential than the final classification suggested.
The final top six classification read:
- Ivan Vercoutere
- Xavier Micheron
- Jann Mardenborough
- Jeremy Loisel
- Stéphane De Groodt
- Andy Soucek
The race immediately established the tone for the day: competitive, loud, emotional and deeply nostalgic.
Renault Heritage Comes Alive
Following the parade for single-seaters over two litres and Formula 1 cars, the Formula Renault Classic pre-2010 race brought another chapter of French single-seater history to life. The paddock atmosphere throughout the morning was electric, with fans crowding every access road to glimpse iconic liveries from Formula Renault, March, Martini and Chevron.
One of the emotional highlights of the morning arrived at 10:40 with the Red Bull Racing Show. Formula 1 machinery erupted around Dijon-Prenois as Isack Hadjar thrilled spectators in a modern Red Bull machine.
Although officially only a demonstration, Hadjar produced breathtaking pace, recording a best lap of 1:51.665 during his four-lap exhibition. Flames erupted from the exhausts as the RB machine blasted down the long Dijon straight, providing a visceral contrast to the historic machinery surrounding it.
The crowd response was extraordinary, particularly from younger spectators experiencing a current-generation Formula 1 car at full speed for the first time.
F2 Classic Produces Close Battle
The F2 Classic Interseries race for pre-1979 machinery proved one of the most competitive contests of the afternoon.
James Lay emerged victorious after a tightly fought encounter, taking the win ahead of Wolfgang Kaufmann and Brian Morris. Lay’s March machine consistently delivered under pressure, recording the fastest lap of the race with a 2:06.081.
Kaufmann remained within striking distance throughout the race, finishing under five seconds behind the winner, while Morris completed the podium after a measured and intelligent drive.
Further down the field, Nicolas Maulini, Oliver Chapman and Laurent Valléry-Masson fought intensely in the midfield. Gianluigi Candiani, Sébastien Brisard and Paul Chateaux rounded out the top nine, while Fabrice Lheritier recovered strongly to complete the top ten.
Several competitors suffered mechanical difficulties, including Carlo Maria Del Conte and Jeremy Caine, both classified as non-finishers.
Top six results:
- James Lay
- Wolfgang Kaufmann
- Brian Morris
- Nicolas Maulini
- Oliver Chapman
- Laurent Valléry-Masson
The race perfectly encapsulated the charm of historic Formula 2: lightweight chassis, visible driver skill and mechanical bravery on every lap.
Hypercars and Ligier Tribute Electrify Dijon
The midday schedule shifted from competition to celebration.
The Hypercar Parade brought a stunning collection of modern endurance machinery onto the circuit, blending Le Mans hypercars with contemporary GT prototypes. The contrast between cutting-edge aerodynamics and vintage Formula machinery highlighted the extraordinary evolution of motorsport engineering.
Moments later, “Ligier F1 – Un Jubilé d’Histoire” paid tribute to one of France’s most iconic racing manufacturers. Historic Ligier Formula 1 cars returned to the circuit where French motorsport culture has always flourished.
Fans packed the grandstands as blue Ligiers howled around Dijon once more, creating one of the most emotional moments of the weekend.
Défilé des Champions Draws Huge Crowds
At 13:50, the traditional “Défilé des Champions” transformed the circuit into a rolling museum. Legendary drivers completed ceremonial laps while crowds waved flags and applauded motorsport heroes from multiple generations.
The atmosphere then shifted again for the “Fast & Famous: Les légendes en piste” showcase at 14:35, another Formula 1 demonstration event that mixed celebrity appearances with spectacular driving demonstrations.
For many spectators, however, the afternoon belonged to the Masters Racing Legends category.
D’Ansembourg Wins Masters Racing Legends Thriller
The Masters Racing Legends race for pre-1986 Formula 1 machinery produced arguably the best pure racing spectacle of the day.
Werner D’Ansembourg emerged victorious after an intense duel with Japanese driver Yutaka Toriba. The Belgian driver completed 13 laps and crossed the line just 1.245 seconds ahead after a relentless contest.
Toriba recorded the fastest lap of the race with a stunning 1:58.811, proving the pace of his Williams machinery, but D’Ansembourg remained composed under pressure to secure victory.
Dan Eagling finished third, followed by Mike Cantillon and Christophe D’Ansembourg. Valerio Leone, Fabrice Lheritier and Warren Briggs also delivered strong performances in a stacked field.
The race featured numerous incidents and retirements. Jamie Constable and Oliver Chapman both retired after only four laps, while Andy Soucek failed to start.
Top ten classification:
- Werner D’Ansembourg
- Yutaka Toriba
- Dan Eagling
- Mike Cantillon
- Christophe D’Ansembourg
- Valerio Leone
- Fabrice Lheritier
- Warren Briggs
- Paul Lafargue
- Guillaume Roman
The sheer spectacle of screaming Cosworth DFV-powered Formula 1 cars attacking Dijon’s fast curves created scenes reminiscent of the circuit’s golden era.
Boccolacci Leads F3 Classic Charge
Later in the afternoon, the F3 Classic Interseries for pre-1985 cars delivered another highly competitive encounter.
French driver Dorian Boccolacci took victory after a composed and mature performance, winning by over nine seconds from Davide Leone. Benjamin Monnay completed the podium after holding off Eric Martin in the closing laps.
Boccolacci’s winning pace proved untouchable, with consistent lap times throughout the ten-lap contest. Xavier Michel finished fifth ahead of Arnaud Dousse and Frédéric Lajoux.
Further down the field, Pietro Vergnano, Maxime Lebreton and Bruno Houzelot completed the top ten.
Top ten results:
- Dorian Boccolacci
- Davide Leone
- Benjamin Monnay
- Eric Martin
- Xavier Michel
- Arnaud Dousse
- Frédéric Lajoux
- Pietro Vergnano
- Maxime Lebreton
- Bruno Houzelot
Mechanical reliability again played a decisive role, with Alexander Weiss and Marco Coppini both suffering issues.
200 KM GPFH Endurance Race Delivers Drama
As evening approached, the circuit atmosphere intensified for the prestigious 200 KM GPFH race for GT and prototype machinery pre-2000.
The Swiss pairing of Naudin and Vaglio-Giors produced a dominant performance to secure victory after 39 laps. Their car demonstrated impressive consistency, setting the fastest lap of the race at 2:05.710.
Viny Beltramelli finished second, one lap down, while Mathieu and Sabatier completed the podium after a disciplined endurance drive.
Florian Zavattin and Hugo Mezard rounded out the top five, while Patrick Lauber, Amaury Gariel and the Lambotte/Spirgi pairing all survived a physically demanding race.
Top ten results:
- Naudin / Vaglio-Giors
- Viny Beltramelli
- Mathieu / Sabatier
- Florian Zavattin
- Hugo Mezard
- Patrick Lauber
- Amaury Gariel
- Lambotte / Spirgi
- Goujat / Carminati
- Rollet / Michel
The long-distance race produced multiple mechanical dramas and late-race strategy battles as dusk settled over Dijon.
Masters Endurance Legends Closes Saturday in Style
The final major race of the evening, the Masters Endurance Legends contest, brought modern-era endurance prototypes and GT machinery onto the circuit under fading light conditions.
The Canadian pairing of Frieser and Mikkel claimed victory after 45 laps in a commanding performance. Christophe Bouchut finished second in his Lotus, only 3.7 seconds behind after a relentless pursuit.
Ferrer-Aza and Muller secured third place, while Werner and Christophe D’Ansembourg continued their remarkable day by finishing fourth.
The endurance field featured extraordinary variety, from Pescarolos to Renaults, Bentleys, McLarens and Hondas. Olivier Galant produced one of the fastest laps of the race with a 1:57.915 before pit issues interrupted his progress.
Top eight classification:
- Frieser / Mikkel
- Christophe Bouchut
- Ferrer-Aza / Muller
- Werner & Christophe D’Ansembourg
- Teneketzian / Teneketzian
- Rouvier / Copiz
- Gamski / Wylie
- Olivier Galant
By the time the chequered flag fell, darkness had almost entirely enveloped Dijon-Prenois.
Fireworks End a Perfect Saturday
At 22:00, the Grand Prix Historique de France concluded its second day with a spectacular fireworks display above the circuit.
Thousands of spectators remained in the grandstands and paddock areas long after the racing had finished, soaking in the atmosphere of a truly extraordinary motorsport celebration.
Saturday at the 2026 Grand Prix Historique de France was more than a race meeting. It was a living tribute to motorsport’s greatest eras — from Formula 1 legends to Group C monsters, from screaming F3 cars to endurance prototypes under the night sky.
